The Christmas invitation was declined, though graciously. For Imogen's mourning was still recent, and her marriage had been of the quietest. But the course of the following year did see the Winchesters--all three of them--at Grey Fells. And at last came to pass the friendship between Florence and Imogen, which so long ago Major Winchester had wished for and tried to compass. "I like her exceedingly--thoroughly," said Robin's happy wife to--her brother-in-law. "But, surely, is she not much softer, less standoff and much, much more sympathising than she used to be?" "Yes; she has been through the fire, and come out of it very fine gold-- tried and purified," said Reginald. "One could scarcely wish her in the least other than she is now. Dear Florence! How pleased Eva would have been!" he murmured. "Robin," said Imogen, not many days after this, "do you know I cannot help praying and hoping that perhaps in time. No, I am afraid of vexing you by saying it." "Do you mean Rex and Florence? Why should it vex me, my darling? Hope it--yes, indeed I do, with all my heart. And what's more, I _think_ it. It is what Eva would have rejoiced at more than anything. She was so unselfish. How I wish you had known her, Imogen!" But neither he nor his wife, nor anybody else, ever suspected that Imogen _had_ known--and that she thanked God for it every day of her life--the girl whom others loved, and remembered by the name of Eveleen Lesley. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The End. End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Imogen, by Mrs Molesworth