Mrs. Beale shook her head several times. "I heard that she had some trouble at the outset of her own married life," she said. "I don't know what it was; but doubtless it accounts for her manner to-day. Don't think about it, however. She will recover her right-mindedness as she grows older. A little shock upsets a girl's judgment very often; but she is so clever and conscientious, she will certainly get over it. But you are quite agitated yourself, dear. Come! think no more about what she said! Her own marriage quite disproves all her arguments, for Colonel Colquhoun was notoriously just the kind of man she would have us believe Mosley is, and see what she has done for him, and how well they get on together! Think no more about it, dear child, but come out with me. The air will tranquillize us both." On her way home, Evadne overtook Mr. St. John. He was walking slowly with his chin on his chest, looking down, and his whole demeanour was expressive of deep dejection. He looked up with a start when Evadne overtook him, and their eyes met. "You have heard?" she said. He made an affirmative gesture. "I never--never dreamt of such a thing," she went on. "I thought--I hoped-- pardon me, but I hoped it would be you. She liked you so much. I know she did." "But not enough, for she refused me," he answered gently. "But doubtless it is all for the best. _His_ ways are not our ways, you know, and we suffer because we are too proud to resign ourselves to manifestations of His wisdom, which are beyond our comprehension. When you came up, I was feeling as if I could never say 'Thy will be done' with my whole heart, fervently, in this matter, but since you spoke to me, I think I can." Evadne took his arm, and the gentle pressure of her hand upon it expressed her heartfelt sympathy eloquently. "If it had been anyone else, I thought at first--but, doubtless, doubtless, it is all for the best!" he added; and then he raised his head, and changed the subject bravely.