A smile flickered over his face as he reflected on the strangeness of his present position. A month ago, if anyone had described to him the O'Shaughnessy sisters, he would have declared without a moment's hesitation that Bridgie would be his favourite--that in every way her character would be more attractive to him than that of Esmeralda. Even now--even now, yes!--if the question were put plainly before him, he must still confess that "Saint Bridget" was sweeter, simpler, less wayward, more unselfish; yet in spite of all there remained the extraordinary fact that he liked Bridgie and loved Esmeralda with the whole strength of a warm and loving heart! He saw her faults clearly enough with those keen, quizzical eyes; but what the sight roused in him was not so much disapproval as pity, and an immense longing to help and comfort. He loved her; he understood her; he honestly believed he could help her to rise above the weaknesses of girlhood, and become the fine large-hearted woman which Providence had intended her to be; and the time had come when he intended to speak his mind and ask her to be his wife. The silence had lasted so long that at last Joan herself became conscious of it, and roused herself to apologise for her rudeness. "But I'm miserable," she said simply. "I can't remember to be polite. I was miserable last time when the Pixie left us, but now it is a hundred times worse. I can't bear to think of going back to that big empty place, with that dreadful shadow coming nearer and nearer every day. I am a coward, and can't face it!" "You are a very brave girl--one of the bravest I have known. If anyone but yourself dared to call you cowardly, you would never forgive him!" "I know. It's quite true. I am brave physically, but I've never been tried in this way before, so I didn't know how weak I was. It arises from selfishness, I suppose. It's so hard to suffer like this." "No one can be selfish who loves another person more than himself. I have never seen two sisters so devoted to each other as you and Miss Bridgie. You will think of her before yourself, and try to help her, simply because you will not be able to help it!" "Darling Bridgie--yes, I do love her. Who could help it? She takes this trouble like the saint she is, and believes that it is God's will, and must be for the best. I can't feel that--I can't! It's against reason. It's no use pretending that I do, for I should only be a hypocrite." "You have a different nature from your sister's. It is more difficult for you to be resigned, and therefore all the more praiseworthy if you fight against your rebellious thoughts, and learn submission." The tears rose slowly to Joan's eyes, and she looked at him with a flickering smile. "It's no use talking to you. You won't believe how wicked I am. You make excuses for me all the time."