This would do for the world at large, but among intimates would it suffice? He knew that nowhere in the world is the hearthstone more sacred than in the south, and how long would his welcome last, even at The Hall, with his past unexplained? He would see! The first hesitancy of host or hostess, and he would be self-banished! There was really no reason why he should remain in America; agents could transact what little business was his and look after Gerald's affairs. Nothing had changed within him; he was the same Edward Morgan, with the same capacities for enjoyment. But something had changed. He felt it with the mere thought of absence. What was it? As in answer to his mental question, there came behind him the quick breath of a horse and turning he beheld Mary. She smiled in response to his bow. The next instant he had descended from his buggy and was waiting. "May I ride with you?" Again the face of the girl lighted with pleasure. "Of course. Get down, Jerry, and change places with Mr. Morgan." Jerry made haste to obey. "Now, drop behind," she said to him, as Edward seated himself by her side. "You see I have accepted your invitation," he began, "only I did not come as soon as I wished to, or I would have answered your kind note at once in person. All are well, I trust?" Her face clouded. "No. Mamma has become entirely blind--probably for all time. I have just been to telegraph Dr. Campbell to come to us. We will know to-morrow." He was greatly distressed. "My visit is inopportune--I will turn back. No, I was going from The Hall to the general's; I can keep straight on." "Indeed, you shall not, Mr. Morgan. Mamma is bearing up bravely, and you can help so much to divert her mind if you tell her of your travels." He assented readily. It was a novel sensation to find himself useful. "To-morrow morning," she continued, "perhaps I can find time to go to the general's--if you really want to go--" "I do," he said. "My German friend, Virdow, has a theory he wishes to demonstrate and has asked me to find the dominate tones in a waterfall; I remembered the general's little cascade, and owing him a visit am going to discharge both duties. What a grand old man the general is!" "Oh, indeed, yes. You do not know him, Mr. Morgan. If you could have seen how he entered into your quarrel--" she blushed and hesitated. "Oh, what an outrage was that affair!" "It is past, Miss Montjoy; think no more upon it. It was I who cost your father his seat in Congress. That is the lamentable feature." "That is nothing," said the young girl, "compared with the mortification and peril forced upon you. But you had friends--more than you dreamed of. The general says that the form of your note to Mr. Royson saved you a grave complication." "You mean that I am indebted to Mr. Barksdale for that?" "Yes. I love Mr. Barksdale; he is so manly and noble." Edward smiled upon her; he was not jealous of that kind of love.