"Indeed, no, my dear," she cried, "I was not aware what course our conversation would take; but, believe me, Moray, I am glad, for this must be true." "True?" cried Oldroyd. "My dear madam, the world teems with proofs." "Yes," said Alleyne thoughtfully: and there was a far-off, dreamy look in his eyes as he gazed straight before him as if into space, "it is true--it must be true; but with so much to learn--such vast discoveries to make--who can pause?" "The man who wishes to win in the long race," said Oldroyd smiling, and again there was a minute's absolute silence, during which the young doctor caught a reconnaissant look from Lucy. Then Alleyne spoke again. "Yes, Mr Oldroyd, you are right," he said. "Nature is a hard mistress." "What, for not breaking her laws?" cried Oldroyd. "Come, come, Mr Alleyne, my knowledge of astronomy extends to the Great Bear, Perseus, Cassiopeia, and a few more constellations; but where would your science be if her laws were not immutable?" For answer, to the surprise of all, Moray Alleyne slowly unclasped his hands, and stretched one across to the young doctor. "Thank you," he said. "You are quite right. I give way, for I am beaten. Mother, dear, I yield unwillingly, but Nature's laws are immutable, and I'll try to obey them. Are you content?" "My boy!" Stern, unbending Mrs Alleyne was for the moment carried away by her emotion, and forgetting the doctor's presence, she left her chair to throw her arms round her son's neck, bend down, kiss his forehead, and then hurry from the room. "She loves me, Mr Oldroyd," said Alleyne simply. "Lucy dear, bring mamma back. We are behaving very badly to our guest." Lucy had already left her chair, and she, too, impulsively kissed her brother and then ran from the room to hide her tears. "Poor things," said Alleyne, smiling. "I behave very badly to them, doctor, and worry them to death; but I am so lost in my studies that I neglect everything. They have made such sacrifices for me, and I forget it. I don't see them--I don't notice what they do. It was to humour me that they came to live in this desolate spot, and my poor mother has impoverished herself to meet the outlay for my costly instruments. It is too bad, but I am lost in my work, and nothing will ever take me from it now." "Nothing?" said Oldroyd. "Nothing," was the reply, given in all simple childlike earnestness, as the young doctor gazed straight into the deep full eyes that did not for a moment blanch. "So you will not give me pills and draughts, doctor," said Alleyne at last, smiling. "Medicine? No. Take exercise, man. Go more into society. See friends. Take walks. Garden. Make this desert bloom with roses." "Yes--yes--yes," said Alleyne, thoughtfully. "I must try. Mr Oldroyd," he said suddenly, "I should like to see more of you--if--if you would allow me." "My dear sir, nothing would give me greater pleasure. Here, I'll come and garden with you, if you like."