"I have not considered the matter. Gossip will not touch me." "No." Brian would not for worlds have said that the step she contemplated taking would be disastrous for him. Yet for one moment, he could not banish the consciousness that all the world would now have good reason to believe that his mother held him guilty of his brother's death. He did not know that the world suspected him already. It was with an unmoved front that he presently continued. "I, myself, had a proposition to make which would perhaps render it needless for you to leave Netherglen, which, as you say, is legally your own. You may not have considered that I am hardly likely to have much love for the place after what has occurred in it. You know that neither you nor I can sell any portion of the property--even you would not care to let it, I suppose, to strangers for the present. I think of going abroad--probably probably for some years. I have always wanted to travel. The house on the Strathleckie side of the property can be let; and as for Netherglen, it would be an advantage for the place if you made it your home for as many months in the year as you chose. I don't see why you should not do so. I shall not return to this neighbourhood." "It does not seem to occur to you," said Mrs. Luttrell, in measured tones, "that Angela and I may also have an objection to residing in a place which will henceforth have so many painful memories attached to it." "If that is the case," said Brian, after a little pause, "there is no more to be said." "I will ask Angela," said Mrs. Luttrell, stretching out her hand to a little handbell which stood upon the table at her side. Brian started. "Then I will come to you again," he said, moving hastily to the door. "I will see you after lunch." "Pray do not go," said his mother, giving two very decisive strokes of the bell by means of a pressure of her firm, white fingers. "Let us settle the matter while we are about it. There will be no need of a second interview." "But Angela will not want to see me." "Angela----Ask Miss Vivian to come to me at once if she can" (to the maid who appeared at the door)--"Angela expressed a wish to see you this morning." Brian stood erect by the mantelpiece, biting his lips under his soft, brown moustache, and very much disposed to take the matter into his own hands, and walk straight out of the room. But some time or other Angela must be faced; perhaps as well now as at any other time. He waited, therefore, in silence, until the door opened and Angela appeared. "Brian!" said the soft voice, in as kind and sisterly a tone as he had ever heard from her. "Brian!" She was close to him, but he dared not look up until she took his unresisting hand in hers and held it tenderly. Then he raised his head a very little and looked at her.