'That isn't true; I shall never forget her. I cannot forget her; but I will consent to wait if you will consent to our being engaged.' 'No, Captain Hibbert, I think it is better not. I do not approve of those long engagements.' 'Then you'll forget what has passed between us, and let us be the same friends as we were before?' 'I hope we shall always remain friends; but I do not think, for my daughter's peace of mind, it would be advisable for us to see as much of each other as we have hitherto done. And I hope you will promise me not to communicate with my Olive in any way.' 'Why should I enter into promises with you, Mrs. Barton, when you decline to enter into any with me?' Mrs. Barton did not look as if she intended to answer this question. The conversation had fallen, and her thoughts had gone back to the tenants and the reduction that Mr. Scully was now persuading them to accept. He talked apart, first with one, then with another. His square bluff figure in a long coarse ulster stood out in strong relief against the green grass and the evergreens. 'Thin it is decided yer pay at twinty-foive per cint.,' said Mr. Scully. 'Then, Captain Hibbert,' said Mrs. Barton a little sternly, 'I am very sorry indeed, that we can't agree; but, after what has passed between us to-day, I do not think you will be justified in again trying to see my daughter.' 'Begad, sor, they were all aginst me for agraying to take the twinty-foive,' whispered the well-to-do tenant who was talking to the agent. 'I fail to understand,' said Captain Hibbert haughtily, 'that Miss Barton said anything that would lead me to suppose that she wished me to give her up. However, I do not see that anything would be gained by discussing this matter further. Good-morning, Mrs. Barton.' 'Good-morning, Captain Hibbert;' and Mrs. Barton smiled winningly as she rang the bell for the servant to show him out. When she returned to the window the tenants were following Mr. Scully into the rent-office, and, with a feeling of real satisfaction she murmured to herself: 'Well, after all, nothing ever turns out as badly as we expect it.' XIV But, although Mrs. Barton had bidden the captain away, Olive's sorrowful looks haunted the house. A white weary profile was seen on the staircase, a sigh was heard when she left the room; and when, after hours of absence, she was sought for, she was found lying at full length, crying upon her bed. 'My dear, it distresses me to see you in this state. You really must get up; I cannot allow it. There's nothing that spoils one's good looks like unhappiness. Instead of being the belle of the season, you'll be a complete wreck. I must insist on your getting up, and trying to interest yourself in something.' 'Oh! mamma, don't, don't! I wish I were dead; I am sick of everything!'