"But I want to be satisfied that you never will marry him," exclaimed Algernon. "It is still more important, as Harry has taken it into his head to fall in love with this pretty little protege of our cousins, and he is such a determined fellow that I should not be surprised if he marries her notwithstanding all opposition." "I am not surprised that Harry should have fallen in love with her, for she is a lovely girl, and every time I have seen her I have admired her more and more: her love and devotion to our poor cousins is most admirable; but still even she would not consent to marry Harry without our father's permission, and would not, I think, act in direct opposition to our parents." "Whether he does or does not, that will not alter your position with regard to Headland," said Algernon, returning to the subject from which Julia had hoped to escape. "Harry would raise his wife to his own station; you will be lowered by marrying a man like Headland." "That is impossible," exclaimed Julia, indignantly. "I should be raised to the station which he has gained by his courage and gallantry; no lady in the land could be degraded by marrying him. I did not wish to say this to you, Algernon," she added, seeing the flush of anger rising on his pale brow. "I see how it will be," he said, after he had recovered from another fit of coughing, "you will prove as obstinate as Harry." Fortunately the servant returned with the flowers, which the poor invalid let drop by his side after looking at them for a moment. Julia signed to the man to wheel her brother home, for she felt very anxious at the change she had observed since they left the house. He with difficulty reached his room, but never again left it. Julia, who, since Harry went away, had frequently ridden over to Downside, wrote to Miss Jane, sending the carriage, and asking her to come to Texford. Notwithstanding the neglect with which she and her sister had been treated, sympathising with Julia and Lady Castleton in their grief, she immediately complied. She did her utmost to comfort her cousins, while she faithfully delivered the Gospel message to poor Algernon, wondering that he should be so utterly ignorant of its tenor and object. Lady Castleton again wrote to Sir Ralph, but when he arrived Algernon had ceased to breathe. Miss Jane had returned to Downside in the morning. Brave as she was, she did not wish to encounter Sir Ralph. Sir Ralph exhibited no overwhelming grief at the loss of his eldest son; his thoughts seemed immediately to centre on Harry.