Mr. Eversley made no allusion to Gerald’s profession. Perhaps a place in the Treasury would seem to him to involve some danger of ‘laying up treasure upon earth.’ He had a vague idea, however, that Gerald would get on in the world, by his own ability or by Lord Venniker’s influence, and that it would not be well for him to interfere. But in the secrecy of his heart he could not surrender the hope that his dear son--the child of so many prayers--would yet be guided by the Divine Light to take upon him the sacred profession which fulfilled all the deepest emotions and the loftiest aspirations of his own heart. Could he see that result, he felt it would be easy for him to ‘depart in peace.’ That was his soul’s desire. He did not know that Lady Venniker, perhaps Ethel herself, desired it too. Even Gerald himself did not know it. They spoke of his life in the Treasury as settled and permanent. Women do not as a rule gain their object by asking directly for it; they have other ways of gaining it. But how happy was Gerald in being encompassed, on the eve of his marriage, by the prayers and influences of these devout souls! CHAPTER XIII THE VALLEY OF THE DARK SHADOW There were yet three weeks--three weeks only--to the marriage. It was an exceptionally cold spring. But everybody said the warm weather would come in time for the marriage. Gerald Eversley went back to Oxford. It was necessary that he should arrange to close his residence there and remove his effects with a view to beginning married life in London. He was sorry to leave Helmsbury, still more sorry to leave Ethel; for she had not been very well for the last two or three days, and was confined to her room with a sore throat. Still the time was short, and he could not without discourtesy to his college omit some customary ceremonial duties before quitting it for good. He wrote to Ethel from Oxford, saying that the master of the college had expressed much interest in his marriage, and sincere regret at his leaving the university; he had also sent him a wedding present. He added that he found himself involved in so many engagements at Oxford that he doubted if it would be possible for him to return to Helmsbury (except perhaps for one night) until a day or two before the wedding. He begged her to let him know that she had got over the cold and was feeling well again. The answer to his letter came from Harry Venniker. He said that Ethel could not write herself, as she was in bed, suffering from a slight feverish attack following on the sore throat, but the village doctor had seen her and did not take a serious view of her case; there was no reason why Gerald should make any change in his plans. If Ethel should not be so well, Harry would telegraph. Gerald was disturbed in mind; he resolved to go to Helmsbury the next day if the medical report were not entirely satisfactory.