"Yes—" gently. "Oh, it will be all right. I don't want to have to choose. I'd rather—leave it all in His hands." "I shall think of you on Friday, Winnie." "Please do. I shall like to know that." Again the wistful look, as of something that the girl had to say. Doris talked on, keeping it steadily at bay. She was not entirely successful. Winnie submitted quietly; but when her visitor stood up, with kind parting words, there was a tight clutch of hands, and the girl whispered with trembling lips— "I'm to see Raye. He has promised to come." "Your brother!" Doris's colour changed slightly. "He is coming. I know you met—in Switzerland. May I tell him I've seen you?" "You tell him most things, don't you?" With a sudden impulse, Doris stooped and kissed the pale brow. "I am glad you will have that pleasure. Now, Winnie, you must be very careful, and not do anything to tire yourself. I shall ask to have word sent me, how you get on." She made her exit quickly, trying not to see the tears of disappointment which filled the girl's eyes. What else could she have said? To discuss the affair with Winnie was out of the question. To her relief she found the passage empty; and she went out alone, through the little garden, into the meadow beyond. There she stood still, to recover herself. The sudden mention of Dick had set her heart beating. She was rather disposed to resent Winnie's attempt at interference. But, far more strongly, another thought had possession of her. She followed the grass-path, looking towards the wind-driven hills, and came again to a pause, when only a few yards from the farther gate. As yet the pony-carriage was out of sight. Doris faced round, for another look at the old farm and its surroundings. "And that is Dick's home! The home he is never allowed to come and see. It seems so strange. Why does Mr. Stirling want to keep him away? Why does he submit? Why doesn't he insist on coming? I do think it is all very hard on poor Dick. And whatever his father may have been, he himself is not to blame for it." Then, after an interval, emphatically— "Daddy is right. He is quite, quite right. I'm glad I wrote that note. Now I see! Now I know! Mr. Hamilton Stirling—oh, never! I can never, never, never marry him. If not Dick—then—nobody!" She repeated aloud,—"Nobody! Nobody!"—and turned towards the gate through which she had to go. The movement brought her face to face with Dick!