"You women never do know your own minds for two days together; and of
course you know the state of your own feelings best; but it's very strange.
Have you really made up your mind, Em?"

"Yes."

"Well, I'm very sorry. I'm sure I've not been in anything to blame. A man
can't always be billing and cooing; but, as you say, if your feeling for me
has changed, it's much better you shouldn't marry me. There's nothing so
foolish as to marry some one you don't love; and I only wish for your
happiness, I'm sure. I daresay you'll find some one can make you much
happier than I could; the first person we love is seldom the right one.
You are very young; it's quite natural you should change."

She said nothing.

"Things often seem hard at the time, but Providence makes them turn out for
the best in the end," said Gregory. "You'll let me kiss you, Em, just for
old friendship's sake." He stooped down. "You must look upon me as a dear
brother, as a cousin at least; as long as I am on the farm I shall always
be glad to help you, Em."

Soon after the brown pony was cantering along the footpath to the daub-and-
wattle house, and his master as he rode whistled John Speriwig and the
Thorn Kloof Schottische.

The sun had not yet touched the outstretched arms of the prickly pear upon
the kopje, and the early cocks and hens still strutted about stiffly after
the night's roost, when Waldo stood before the wagon-house saddling the
grey mare. Every now and then he glanced up at the old familiar objects: