"For a time; I know that. But, Miss Diana, ease, when it comes, will be all the more enjoyable for having been worked for. I often think the prosperity of those who have honestly earned it must be far sweeter than the monotonous abundance of those who are born rich." "True. The worst is, that sometimes the best years of life are over before prosperity comes." "But those years have had their pleasure, in working on for it. I question whether actual prosperity ever brings the pleasure we enjoy in anticipation. If we had no end to work for, we should not be happy. Will you say a word for me, Miss Diana?" "First of all, tell me the name of the lady. I suppose you have no objection--you may trust me." George's lips parted with a smile, and a faint flush stole over his features. "I shall have to tell you before I win her, if only to obtain your consent to taking her from the Hold." "_My_ consent! I have nothing to do with it. You must get that from Mr. and Madam Chattaway." "If I have yours, I am not sure that I should care to ask--his." "Of whom do you speak?" she rejoined, looking puzzled. "Of Maude Trevlyn." Miss Diana rose from her chair, and stared at him in astonishment. "Maude Trevlyn!" she repeated. "Since when have you thought of Maude Trevlyn?" "Since I thought of any one--thought at all, I was going to say. I loved Maude--yes, _loved_ her, Miss Diana--when she was only a child." "And you have not thought of anyone else?" "Never. I have loved Maude, and I have been content to wait for her. But that I was so trammelled with the farm at home, keeping it for Mrs. Ryle and Treve, I might have spoken before." Maude Trevlyn was evidently not the lady upon whom Miss Diana's suspicions had fallen, and she seemed unable to recover from her surprise or realise the fact. "Have you never given cause to another to--to--suspect any admiration on your part?" she resumed, breaking the silence. "Believe me, I never have. On the contrary," glancing at Miss Diana with peculiar significance for a moment, his tone most impressive, "I have cautiously abstained from doing so." "Ah, I see." And Miss Trevlyn's tone was not less significant than his. "Will you give her to me?" he pleaded, in his softest and most persuasive voice. "I don't know, George, there may be trouble over this." "Do you mean with Mr. Chattaway?" "I mean----No matter what I mean. I think there will be trouble over it." "There need be none if you will sanction it. But that you might misconstrue me, I would urge you to give her to me for Maude's own sake. This escapade of poor Rupert's has rendered Mr. Chattaway's roof an undesirable one for her." "Maude is a Trevlyn, and must marry a gentleman," spoke Miss Diana. "I am one," said George quietly. "Forgive me if I remind you that my ancestors are equal to those of the Trevlyns. In the days gone by----"