After her first burst of spite against Miriam she came to like her, and even to appreciate her high principles and wholesale disdain of the petty vanities of everyday existence. Such a personality was something altogether new to Hilda--something "larger" by far in human kind than she had ever met before. And it said no little for the girl that she acknowledged this to herself, and allowed her better nature to have its say, even to the point of dissociating herself from Mrs. Darrow in the persecution of her governess. So it was that Mrs. Darrow, deprived of her ally, felt it incumbent upon her to carry on the war with that double energy which had so quickly resulted in the dismissal of Miriam. Had Hilda's attitude continued, as it had been in the beginning, it is probable that the lady's tactics would have been based more upon a "linked business long drawn out," wherefrom not only would she have obtained enjoyment, but would have saved herself much personal inconvenience. "You are looking very sprightly to-day, Mr. Arkel," said Hilda, as they walked down the village. "Have you had any good news?" "The best of news. But before I tell it, let me ask you why you always call me Mr. Arkel?" "It is your name, isn't it?" "Yes, but surely you might call me Gerald; it would be equally correct, and ever so much nicer." "I don't know if it _would_ be quite correct," replied the cautious Hilda; "still, as you make such a point of it, I don't mind--if I can remember. Well--Gerald--and what is this joyful news?" "Uncle Barton has decided to make me his heir!" Hilda stopped. Although she had more than half suspected to hear it, now that the news had come she felt something like a shock. But the sensation was by no means unpleasant. On the contrary it brought with it a welcome sense of relief, for now no longer need she keep this young gentleman at arm's length. She could accept him with a clear conscience, and unless her powers of foresight were very much at fault, it would be as his affianced wife that she would return from their walk. "I am very glad," she said. "You have my most heartfelt congratulations. Has Mr. Barton actually made his will?" "Not yet; but he intends to make it this week. I shall start the new year, thank God, with my mind at peace." "Very much so, I should think. I suppose it won't be long now before we have to congratulate you on another happy event--I am glad for Miss Crane's sake; she has had such a very bad time." "Miss Crane! What on earth do you mean?" "Simply that as Mrs. Gerald Arkel, Miriam Crane will at last say good-bye to the rough and tumble of life, of which up to now she seems to have had a good deal."