James looked at her scornfully; his love all through had been mingled with contrary elements; and trying to subdue it, he had often insisted upon the woman's vulgarity, and lack of taste, and snobbishness. He thought bitterly now that the daughter of the Portuguese and of the riding-master had done very well for herself. "Really, I think you're awfully unreasonable," she said. "You might make yourself pleasant." "I can't," he said, gravely. "Let me go away. You don't know what I've felt for you. In my madness, I fancied that you must realise my love; I thought even that you might care for me a little in return." "You're quite the nicest boy I've ever known. I like you immensely." "But you like the landed proprietor better. You're very wise. He can marry you. Good-bye!" "I don't want you to think I'm horrid," she said, going up to him and taking his arm. It was an instinct with her to caress people and make them fond of her. "After all, it's not my fault." "Have I blamed you? I'm sorry; I had no right to." "What are you going to do?" "I don't know--I can always shoot myself if things get unendurable. Thank God, there's always that refuge!" "Oh, I hope you won't do anything silly!" "It would be unlike me," James murmured, grimly. "I'm so dreadfully prosaic and matter-of-fact. Good-bye!" Mrs. Wallace was really sorry for James, and she took his hand affectionately. She always thought it cost so little to be amiable. "We may never meet again," she said; "but we shall still be friends, Jim." "Are you going to say that you'll be a sister to me, as Mary told the curate?" "Won't you kiss me before you go?" James shook his head, not trusting himself to answer. The light in his life had all gone; the ray of sunshine was hidden; the heavy clouds had closed in, and all the rest was darkness. But he tried to smile at Mrs. Wallace as he touched her hand; he hardly dared look at her again, knowing from old experience how every incident and every detail of her person would rise tormentingly before his recollection. But at last he pulled himself together. "I'm sorry I've made a fool of myself," he said, quietly. "I hope you'll be very happy. Please forget all I've said to you. It was only nonsense. Good-bye! I'll send you a bit of my wedding-cake." XXI