greatest service that he could. Of his own sacrifice, his own
disappointment he thought not now; realisation of that would come later.

At first it seemed to him a mad, a nonsensical scheme, yet it was one
that might so easily be carried out. If one doubt was left as to
whether he would do it, it was gone the next moment.

"Hugh, would you do--would you do this for me?"

"There is very little that I wouldn't do for you, little maid," he said,
"and if I can help you to your happiness I am going to do it."

She crept closer to him; she laid her cheek against his shoulder, and
held his hand in hers.

"Tell me just what you will say."

"I haven't thought that out yet."

"But you must."

"I know. You see, if I say I am married, naturally she will ask me a few
questions."

"When she gets--gets her breath!" Marjorie said with a laugh; it was the
first time she had laughed, and he liked to hear it.

"The first will probably be, How long have I been married?"

"Do you remember you used to come to Marlbury to see me when I was at