Harry hesitated a moment. Was it generosity or cowardice which made the young baron act in this way? "It is the first, I am sure," thought Harry. "I accept your apology gladly," he answered. The young men shook hands and walked on side by side, both probably feeling much happier than they did before. They might, to be sure, have caused some sensation in the place had they fought; but even had one of them been killed, the event would probably have been no more than a "nine days' wonder," and even his most intimate acquaintance would soon have ceased to mourn. The two after this became fast friends. The baron especially had many interesting adventures to relate, especially those he had undergone in escaping from France--"La belle France!" as he still called his native country. CHAPTER SEVEN. A FAREWELL VISIT.--SAD END OF A FESTIVE SCENE. Mabel Everard and Harry Tryon stood together under the shade of the wide-spreading trees which extended their boughs over the edge of the large lake in Stanmore Park watching a couple of graceful swans which glided noiselessly by across the mirror-like surface of the water. "I have come to wish you good-bye, Mabel," said Harry, and his voice trembled slightly. "Lady Tryon insists on my accompanying her to London, and I cannot refuse to obey her. It is time, and she says truly that I should choose a profession; but which can I choose? I should have preferred going to sea some years ago, but I am getting too old for that, and though I have no objection to the army, yet it would take me away for years, perhaps for long years, Mabel, and that I could not stand." He looked affectionately into her face as he spoke. "I should not wish you to go, Harry," she answered in a low voice, "and yet I know that it is right and manly to have a profession. I should not like you to be in any better, yet it is so full of dangers that I should be very miserable." "No, I see, I must live in the country and turn farmer," said Harry, as if a bright idea had struck him. "I have always been told that Lady Tryon is sure to leave me all her property, and that must be sufficient for all my wishes. However, when I go to London I will try and learn what profession is likely to suit me. I certainly don't wish to be idle; and the thought of winning you, and making a home fit for your reception, will stimulate me to exertion." "I shall be glad if it does." A boat was moored near where they stood. Harry proposed to row Mabel round the lake. They looked very interesting as they two sat in the boat, Harry rowing, and Mabel smiling and talking cheerfully, occasionally catching at a water-lily. They talked of Lucy. The theme was a sad one. Since the day of the _fete_ she had never been well. There was a colour in her cheek and a brightness in her eye, which alarmed her aunt. She communicated her fears to Mabel.