“Honour my father!” she said. “Why should we honour our fathers unless they are worthy of honour? What have we to thank them for?” “Life,” suggested Godfrey. “Why? You believe that life comes from God, and so do I in a way. If so, what has a father to do with it who is just a father and no more? With mothers perhaps it is different, but you see I love my mother and he treats her like—like a dog, or worse,” and her grey eyes filled with tears. “However, it is your father we are talking of, and there is no commandment telling me to honour _him_. I say I hate him and he hates me, and that’s why he is sending you away. Well, I hope you won’t find anyone to contaminate you in Switzerland.” “Oh! Isobel, Isobel,” he broke out, “don’t be so bitter, especially as it is of no use. Besides after all you have got everything that a girl can have—money and position and looks——” “Looks!” she exclaimed, seizing on the last word, “when you know I am as ugly as a toad.” He stared at her. “I don’t know it; I think you beautiful.” “Wait till you see someone else and you will change your mind,” she snapped, flushing. “And you are going to come out,” he went on hastily. “Yes, at a fancy ball in this Plantagenet lady’s dress, but I almost wish I was—to go out instead—like her.” “And I daresay you will soon be married,” he blurted, losing his head for she bewildered him. “Married! Oh! you idiot. Do you know what marriage means—to a woman? Married! I can bear no more of this. Goodbye,” and turning she walked, or rather ran into the darkness, leaving him amazed and alone. This was the last time that Godfrey spoke with Isobel for a long while. Next morning he received a note addressed in her clear and peculiar writing, which from the angular formation of the letters and their regularity, at a distance looked not unlike a sheet of figures. It was short and ran:— Dear Old Godfrey,—Don’t be vexed with me because I was so cross this evening. Something in that old church upset me, and you know I have a dreadful temper. I didn’t mean anything I said. I daresay it is a good thing you should go away and see the world instead of sticking in this horrid place. Leave your address with Mother Parsons, and I will write to you; but mind you answer my letters or I shan’t write any more. Good-bye, old boy. Your affectionate               ISOBEL.           Who is always thinking of you. P.S.—I’ll get this to the Abbey with your milk. Can’t leave it myself, as we are starting for town at half-past seven to-morrow morning to catch the early train. CHAPTER IV THE GARDEN IN THE SQUARE