“You are thinking of something else all the time.” “My brain is in a whirl. Yes, I am thinking of something else.” “Of what?” “I’m afraid to say.” Mrs. Thornton was silent. They entered the gate and walked up the avenue, slowly and in silence. Despard made one or two efforts to stop, and then continued. At last they reached the door. The lights were streaming brightly from window. Despard stood, silently. “Will you not come in?” “No, thank you,” said he, dreamily. “It is rather too late, and I must go. Good-night.” He held out his hand. She offered hers, and he took it. He held it long, and half stooped as though he wished to say something. She felt the throbbing of his heart in his hand as it clasped hers. She said nothing. Nor did Despard seem able to say any thing. At last he let go her hand slowly and reluctantly. “You will not forget the music?” said he. “No.” “Good-night.” He took her hand again in both of his. As the light shone through the windows she saw his face--a face full of longing beyond words, and sadness unutterable. “Good-night,” she faltered. He let go her hand, and turning away, was lost amidst the gloom. She waited till the sound of his footsteps had died away, and then went into the house. On the following morning Despard was walking along when he met her suddenly at a corner of the street. He stopped with a radiant face, and shaking hands with her, for a moment was unable to speak. “This is too much happiness,” he said at last. “It is like a ray of light to a poor captive when you burst upon me so suddenly. Where are you going?” “Oh, I’m only going to do a little shopping.” “I’m sure I wish that I could accompany you to protect you.” “Well, why not?” “On the whole, I think that shopping is not my forte, and that my presence would not be essential.” He turned, however, and walked with her some distance, as far as the farthest shop in the town. They talked gayly and pleasantly about the fête. “You will not forget the music,” said he, on parting. “Will you come next Monday? If you don’t, I won’t be responsible for the consequences.” “Do you mean to say, Sir, that you expect me to come alone?” “I did not hope for any thing else.” “Why, of course, you must call for me. If you do not I won’t go.” Despard’s eyes brightened. “Oh, then, since you allow me so sweet a privilege, I will go and accompany you.” “If you fail me I will stay at home,” said she, laughingly. He did not fail her, but at the appointed time went up to the Grange. Some strangers were there, and Mrs. Thornton gave him a look of deep disappointment. The strangers were evidently going to spend the day, so Despard, after a short call, withdrew. Before he left, Mrs. Thornton absented herself on some pretext for a few moments, and as he quitted the room she went to the door with him and gave him a note.