The term was drawing to a close now, and Mollie's face lengthened a little every day. Audrey had mooted the scheme to her father during a walk they had together, and Dr. Ross, who was one of the most benevolent and kindly of men, had at once given his consent, and had promised to speak to Michael, who carried it through with a high hand. Great was the rejoicing in the Blake household. Poor Kester had turned red and white by turns, and could hardly speak a word, so intense was his surprise; but Audrey, who saw the lad's agony of embarrassment, assured him that there was no need for him to speak, and that everything was settled. Cyril was almost as embarrassed when he came in to thank them that evening. 'I have never heard of such kindness in my life,' he said eagerly, when he found Audrey alone; for the others were all in the garden, as she told him. 'I will go to them directly. Of course I must speak to Captain Burnett. I hear it is his thought. Am I interrupting you?' looking at her open desk. 'May I stay a moment?' 'Certainly, if you like.' But Audrey did not resume her seat. She stood by the lamp, its crimson shade casting ruddy gleams over her white dress. She had coiled her hair loosely--Audrey was given to dressing herself hurriedly--and one long plait had become unfastened. It looked so smooth and brown against her white neck. At such moments Audrey certainly looked pretty. Perhaps Cyril thought so, for he looked at her long and earnestly. 'I hardly know how to thank you all,' he went on almost abruptly. 'My mother feels the same. It is such a weight off my mind. You know, I am going to Cornwall myself; one of our Keble men has invited me. His father has a nice place near Truro.' 'That will be a pleasant change for you,' she observed sympathetically. 'Oh, I always turn up trumps,' he replied brightly. 'Last Christmas, and again at Easter, I had heaps of invitations. I was only bothering myself about Kester: he looked so seedy, you know, and it seemed such hard lines for him, poor boy! to see me go off and enjoy myself.' 'Well, you see, Kester means to enjoy himself too.' 'Don't I know that? He is a lucky fellow!' and Cyril sighed--a good honest sigh it was, too, for Audrey heard it. 'Just fancy seven weeks in paradise!' 'Well, it is very lovely there,' she answered demurely; and then she discovered the stray lock, and pinned it up hastily. 'Oh, I was not meaning the place--though, of course, everyone knows Braemar has its advantages. I think one's happiness depends more on the society one has. Don't you think so too, Miss Ross?' 'I daresay you are right. Well, we shall have my sister and her husband, and Kester and Captain Burnett; so we shall be a nice party.' 'Oh yes, of course Captain Burnett is going?' returned Cyril, in a dubious tone. 'Yes; and I suppose you think he is lucky too?' and there was a gleam of fun in Audrey's eyes. 'Not more so than usual; the gate of paradise is never shut on Captain Burnett.'