"We shall give up the Cottage--it is unnecessarily large now that Papa's two rooms will be empty. Is there any chance of Oak Lea falling vacant, Mrs Evans? That's the kind of house that would suit us, wouldn't it, Mary? Two nice sitting-rooms, three or four bedrooms, and not too much garden to manage with a man once a week. I should like to keep on the cart. So useful for paying calls at a distance. There _is_ a small stable at Oak Lea, I think? We'll see! We'll see! I shall quite enjoy a small, compact house. Mary and I don't need much space. Teresa says we are not to count on her." Everyone looked at Teresa, and Teresa stared fixedly at her cup. Not a tinge of colour stole into her cheek. When the Vicar rose to leave, his wife slipped her hand through Mary's arm, and led her across the hall into the dining-room. At such a time it was natural that there should be "private words" and no one exhibited any surprise. Mrs Evans closed the door behind her, and held Mary's hand in a firm, motherly grasp. "Mary, dear--I am a very old friend,--may I give you a word of advice? In these days of grief and emotion, don't be tempted into making plans, which you may regret later on. Wait until you have had time to consider." "Thank you, Mrs Evans, but what is there to consider? If Mother has no money, what can I possibly do but give her mine?" "You must share it with her, of course; no right-minded daughter could do less. But--there are different ways of doing it, Mary, dear! It is your own money. You ought to reserve to yourself the right to decide, and to order your own life." But Mary shook her head. "You don't know Mother. I do. There would be no peace. I'll leave it to her to do as she likes. I've had my fling, Mrs Evans, a whole year of being alone, and free to do as I liked. I--I was very lonely. I shan't be altogether sorry..." Mrs Evans was silent, her keen eyes fixed upon Mary's face searching for some sign of change or growth, but there was none to be seen. The vagrant year had come and gone, and had left no mark. Its end found her prepared to settle down into her old attitude of dumb submission, "not altogether sorry!" Mrs Evans kissed her silently, and said no more. In the drawing-room Dane and Teresa faced each other across the tea table. At last they were alone, safe from interruption. As the door shut behind the departing guests Dane held out his arm with a gesture of invitation, but Teresa shook her head, holding him off with a lifted hand.