"I don't quite agree with you there," he answered a trifle bitterly. "If she took me in, she has made me feel my position. No, Sybil, I hope in some way to make a position for myself. Then Mrs Gabriel may be proud of me. At present I am only an object of her charity. Let me go for a soldier, my darling." "You must wait for a time, Leo," entreated Sybil. "If you are really bent upon enlisting, I shall not try and dissuade you. But, oh! how unhappy I shall be when you are in South Africa!" "Come, come, you will never do for a soldier's wife. Is it not better for me to be fighting for my country than staying here eating the bread of idleness? I am sure you would be prouder of me dead on the battlefield than to see me a hanger-on here." "Yes," said Sybil bravely, "I should." "In that case I shall enlist." And after taking her in his arms, he kissed her tenderly. "I shall be here for another week. Let us make the best of our time." Hand in hand they passed from the chapel, but at the door they suddenly separated. Mrs Gabriel was coming up the steps, and cast a cold smile at the pair. "I want to see you, Leo, when you can spare the time," she said. "I will come with you now," said Haverleigh. "And you, Sybil?" "I want to find Pearl Darry," said Miss Tempest; "she is offended with me, and I must make my peace with her. Good-day, Mrs Gabriel!" "Good-day!" said Mrs Gabriel in her stiffest manner. Then, as Leo walked down the road beside her, back to the castle, she added, "I understand that you are engaged, Leo, and without my consent?" "I am sorry you should be vexed," he said formally; "but I cannot sacrifice my life's happiness even for you." "Bless the boy! I don't want you to do that," said Mrs Gabriel, sharply. "And about this enlisting?" "I intend to enlist." Mrs Gabriel drew a long breath, and walked on in silence for a few moments. "Well," she said at length, "I think it is about the best thing you could do. Your debts?" "I shall see that they are paid," said Leo, calmly. "Oh, indeed! And where will you get the money?" "From a friend." Mrs Gabriel again became silent. "I don't think you are treating me altogether fairly, Leo." "I am willing to do whatever you think best, mother. But I am ashamed to live on your charity any longer. However, I promise you one thing. I shall not enlist for at least a month." Mrs Gabriel laughed silently. Many things might happen in a month. CHAPTER VI TROUBLE