“Yes,” said Mrs. Crosbie, again, “I will act as you suggest. I see plainly the wisdom of such a course. Were I to display the anger I feel, the consequences might be worse than the present state of things. At all hazards we must separate him from this girl!” Vane bent, and kissed her aunt. “I am glad you see the matter as I do. Aunt Constance, I feel I am right. Stuart must be saved from this; and, if we work well, we shall do it. Now I must start for the village. Remember, you will not let your anger be seen.” “It will be difficult, perhaps,” returned Mrs. Crosbie; “but there is too much at stake, and I will control myself.” Vane moved away slowly, leaving the mother plunged in bitter thought, and mounted the stairs to her room. She put on her pretty hat, smiling triumphantly at her own image in the mirror, and, drawing on her gloves, passed along the corridor till she reached Stuart’s door. She knocked softly, and whispered to the servant: “Is your master awake?” “Yes, miss.” “Ask him to come to the door for one minute, if he can.” Vane fastened the last button of her glove, and then stood waiting, a picture of grace and beauty, as Stuart moved slowly into the doorway. “I am going now,” she said, gently; “but, before I start, I wanted to let you know that I have succeeded with Aunt Constance. She----” “She agrees?” interrupted Stuart, resting against the door for support. “Yes; but,” continued Vane, “you must not be surprised if she is cold and hard. Of course, she was totally unprepared for my news. I expect she will come and see you directly. Now, will you trust me again, Stuart?” “Trust!” he echoed, putting out his hand. “I have no words to thank you with, Vane. Margery and I owe all our happiness to you.” “I thought I would tell you; and now I must go,” Miss Charteris said, hurriedly. “You look pale, Stuart.” “My head aches confoundedly! I beg your pardon, Vane, but I am not used to pain, and I grow impatient. Tell Margery---- But I leave it all to you. Thank you again and again.” Vane descended the stairs rapidly, and she felt as she seated herself in the smart pony-carriage that she had fought half her battle, and that, with a little care and discrimination, the victory would be easily and gracefully won. CHAPTER XI.