“I think I could paint you, if you would allow me.” “I would sit to you most willingly,” Margery returned, smiling, “but only on the condition that you make a picture of Lady Enid.” “It is a bargain!” he cried, and Margery felt a thrill of pleasure at his words. By this promise she knew she would bring happiness to the young sister--happiness because her beloved Nugent would be near her. “Let us go and tell her at once,” she said, turning her lovely face, flushed with pleasure, to him. “Ah, you will see my words were right last night! You will be a better physician than I could ever hope to be.” The earl made no reply, but followed her across to the house. At the door of Lady Enid’s room Margery paused. “It will gladden her more coming from you,” she whispered, and she hurried away. Lord Court watched her disappear, then entered the room. “Have you found her, Nugent?” asked Lady Enid, fixing her brown eyes upon him. “Yes,” he answered, drawing a chair to her couch and looking at her pale face and fragile form with a dull pain at his heart. “We have been talking together, Enid, and we have made two arrangements which we hope will please you. The first is for us all to go down to Court Manor as soon as ever you like. The second is for me to paint your portrait and your friend’s--Margery Daw. Does that please you, my darling?” Lady Enid raised her hands to her eyes--her face was hidden. She made no reply, and her brother leaned over her and kissed her tenderly. “My sweet Enid!” he murmured. “My poor little one. How selfish I have been!” Lady Enid let her hands drop. “Selfish--you selfish, Nugent? How can you say so, when by this very proposal you sacrifice your own wishes? No, my dear brother; I cannot accept it.” “But it is my wish, Enid. It will be like a glimpse of peace to see the old place; and, back in her own nest, my darling will grow stronger, please Heaven.” Lady Enid’s face had grown a shade paler, her lips were trembling. “Nugent,” she said, slowly, “I will go; but, first, will you do something for me?” “Anything on earth!” “Then, dear, I wish you to visit Drake Park and Hohen before we start for the manor. It is our duty, indeed, Nugent. Think. You have not been near your property for so long that the tenants do not even know you. Will you do so?” “But I thought you would like to go straight to the manor,” the earl said, slowly. “I would rather wait and go with you, dear, and then we can commence the portraits without further delay. I shall be so glad to have a picture of my sweet Margery. Ah, here she is! What plots have you two conspirators been hatching? Come, confess!” “Do they not please you?” inquired Margery, kneeling for an instant beside her. “Please me? Nothing on earth could give me greater pleasure; but I want Nugent to postpone the journey till his return from the country.” The earl moved to the window, and was standing with folded arms. His face wore a puzzled, almost distressed expression.