Throughout the bright, long summer months Aubrey Langton staid on at Darrell Court, and at last did what he intended to do--proposed to Lady Darrell. He was accepted. It was the end of July then, but, yielding to her regard for appearances, it was agreed that no further word should be said of marriage until the spring of the following year. CHAPTER XXXIII. "I HAVE HAD MY REVENGE!" It was a warm, beautiful morning, with a dull haze lying over the fair summer earth; and Pauline Darrell, finding even the large, airy rooms too warm, went out to seek her favorite shade--the shelter of the great cedar tree. As she sat with her book in her hand--of which she never turned a page--Miss Hastings watched her, wondering at the dark shadow that had fallen over her beauty, wondering at the concentration of thought in her face, wondering whether this shadow of disappointment would darken all her life or if it would pass away, wondering if the vengeance to which she had vowed herself was planned yet; and to them, so silent and absorbed, came the pretty, bright vision of Lady Darrell, wearing a white morning dress with blue ribbons in her golden hair. The brightness and freshness of the morning seemed to linger on her fair face, as she drew near them with a smile on her lips, and a look of half-proud shyness in her eyes. "I am glad you are both here," she said; "I have something to tell you." The blush and the smile deepened. "Perhaps you can guess what it is. Miss Hastings, you are smiling--Pauline, you do not look at me. Captain Langton has asked me to be his wife, and I have consented." Then she paused. Miss Hastings congratulated her, and wished her much happiness. Pauline started at first, clasping her hands while her face grew white, and then she recovered herself and kept perfect silence. "Pauline," said Lady Darrell, "I am very happy; do not shadow my happiness. Will you not wish me joy?" "I cannot," replied the girl, in a trembling voice; "you will have no joy." Then, seeing Lady Darrell's wondering face, she seemed to recover herself more completely. "I will wish you," she said, bitterly, "as much happiness as you deserve." "That would be but little," returned Lady Darrell, with a faint laugh; "I do not hold myself a particularly deserving person." Then Miss Hastings, thinking they might come to a better understanding alone, went away, leaving them together. Lady Darrell went up to the girl. She laid her hands on her arm appealingly, and raised her face with a pleading expression. "Pauline," she said, her lips trembling with emotion, "after all, I was your uncle's wife; for his sake you might show me a little kindness. Marriage is a tie for life, not a bond for one day. Oh, Pauline, Pauline, if there is any reason why I should not marry Aubrey Langton, tell it--for Heaven's sake, tell it! Your manner is always so strange to him; if you know anything against him, tell me now before it is too late--tell me!"