"Let me dare, then, to hope that in time you will come to believe that all men are not like the miserable specimens whom you have met. Will you believe that _I_, at least, am only _sorry_ to hear you will be so rich? I cannot expect you to believe me, but it is the truth." "Yes, I believe you," she said. "Then let us see what we can do to retrieve your mistake. Will you take my word for it that Cardo Wynne is all that is honourable and true?" "Yes, oh, yes; I am sure he would not be your friend if he were not so." "Then the path is easy and plain before us. You will write to Valmai, and I will write to Cardo, and the cloud that has darkened their path lately will be swept away, and your hand and mine will be permitted to let in the light." "I don't deserve such happiness," she said. Ellis felt tempted to say, "Yes, your deep love for your sister made you do this, and it richly deserves this fulfilment of its endeavours," but he did not, and the omission was noticed by Gwladys, but it did not tell against him. They sat some time in silent thought, Gwladys's little foot tossing up the moss. "I have not told auntie, but I should like to do so now." "I think you are right," said Ellis, gathering his painting paraphernalia together; "let us go and tell her at once." There was something delightful even in the simple fact of "going together" to tell Mrs. Power the story of Valmai's sorrow and Gwladys's mistake, and when he left it was with the clear understanding that they should not let a day pass without enlightening Cardo and Valmai. CHAPTER XXI. INTO THE SUNSHINE, There was quite a chorus of regrets and good-byes in the quiet little country station from which Valmai started on her journey to Cardiganshire. "Good-bye, Miss Powell," said Colonel Meredith, who had driven her down to meet the train, accompanied by his whole family. "No one will lament your absence or rejoice at your return more than I shall, not excepting this sentimental young man," and he pointed to Cecil, who was putting on an air of even greater dejection than usual. He did not deign to answer his father except by a look of indignation that set Gwen and Winifred laughing; but when the train was absolutely moving, he managed to secure the last hand-clasp, and leave a bunch of forget-me-nots in Valmai's hand. "Good-bye, Beauty, darling," shouted Gwen; while all the others joined in a chorus of "Write soon!"