"Presently!" he said, as his hand clasped hers. "Go and enjoy yourself, my child. I shall see you by-and-by." The next two hours were passed in pleasurable suspense. When at length bride and bridegroom had taken their departure, Lettice was free to go home,—and there, according to hope, she found Dr. Bryant comfortably established. "So this is where you live!" he said. "It isn't a palace, uncle. But big rooms don't make happiness." "That's an aphorism worthy of a copybook. Wedding gone off all right?" "O yes. But how did you know?" "I called here, and learnt where you were gone." "Didn't you think Prue looked nice?" "I thought somebody else did . . . Lettice, are you and Felix wedded to this neighbourhood?" "To London? Felix has his work." "Business men often live outside London: within easy distance." "But the expense of going in and out every day! Of course I should like it, and so would Felix: only it can't be thought of. You see, Felix ought to lay by, if only a little, every year, and I cost him a great deal. But I do try to be economical, and to save in every possible way. And Felix is so glad now to have me with him." "My dear, I want you also." "If only Quarrington Cottage were not all that great distance—!" Lettice spoke distressfully. "I am not going back to Quarrington Cottage. It holds too many sad memories. The place is to be sold. I think of finding a new home outside London,—perhaps in the direction of Reigate or Dorking. And I must have you to live with me." "But—Felix!" "Felix too! I would not on any account separate you. I want you both to make my home your home. Why should you not? All that I have will belong to you by-and-by: and my will is already made, to that effect. No,—I shall leave something to Felix—" as she uttered her brother's name—"but the bulk will be yours. Felix can make his own way: and he will make it the faster, if by this plan, he is able to lay by present earnings. I should undertake all his current expenses, as with a son of my own. Will Felix object?—And would you mind?" "Mind! If Felix consents, I shall be only too glad!! To be with you always:—and to have Felix:—and to live in the country! I didn't know life could be so lovely!" cried Lettice, enraptured. No difficulties arose in the path of the plan. Felix was both touched and grateful. "Nonsense!" he said to Lettice, when she expressed privately her regrets as to Dr. Bryant's intentions for the future, which he had plainly stated to the young man. "Of course he is free to leave his money where he likes. Neither of us has the smallest claim upon him, but you deserve it, if anybody does. He is uncommonly good to me, I can tell you: and this will be a capital lift. To have a home provided, and expenses paid, just when I am making my way! Don't you see what a lot I shall be able to save?" "I hope we shall not both get to care too much for money," Lettice said seriously.