But if she had only known it, Michael's real generosity was shown in those lines he had written at the end of his letter. His munificence to Kester cost him far less than those few words which he wrote so ungrudgingly of his rival; but he knew how they would gladden her heart. The old beautiful smile would come to her lips, he thought, as she read them. 'They will please her more than all the rest of the letter,' he said to himself. Two or three evenings after this letter had reached her, Audrey went into her father's study, as usual, to bid him good-night; but when he had kissed her with that special tenderness which he had shown to her ever since her trouble, she looked at him very seriously. 'Father,' she said, as he kept his arm still round her, 'I wish you to know that I am going to the Gray Cottage to-morrow to bid Mrs. Blake good-bye.' Then Dr. Ross's arm dropped from her waist, and she saw at once that the news was not palatable to him. 'Is that necessary, Audrey?' 'Yes, father; I think I may say that it is necessary. I have kept away from the Gray Cottage all this time because I knew that it was your wish that I should do so, and I have ever been guided by your wishes; but now Mrs. Blake is going away, and it would trouble me greatly if she were to leave without my bidding her good-bye.' 'I think it would be far better, for her sake as well as yours, that there should be no special leave-taking.' 'There I must differ from you, father dear,' returned Audrey gently. 'I could not bring myself to put such an affront on Cyril's mother. You know, I am still engaged to Cyril, and his mother can never be a stranger to me.' Then Dr. Ross regarded his daughter with a grieved expression. 'My own child, if you would only be guided by me in this!--if you would give up this young man entirely----' Then she shook her head, and a grave, sweet smile came to her lips. 'Would you have me break my word, father, because Cyril has broken his? But I do not blame him--he was obliged to do it; but no power on earth could compel me. Dear, why should we speak of this thing--you and I? When one's mind is made up, there is nothing more to be said. In everything else I will obey you as a child ought to obey her father. If you tell me that I must not go to the Gray Cottage to-morrow, you shall be obeyed, no matter what it may cost me; but'--pressing her lips to his forehead as she leant against him--'I do not think my father will be such a tyrant.' 'I have no wish to tyrannise, Audrey,' returned Dr. Ross sadly. 'In all I have said, I have only considered your happiness. If you feel that there is this need to bid Mrs. Blake good-bye, I shall certainly not prevent you. I know I can trust my daughter. I have wished that the break should be final and conclusive, but it seems that you think otherwise.' 'After to-morrow the separation will be as complete as you desire it to be.'