So, in proportion as he ceased to importune her, she grew kinder to him.
She talked to him about his pictures, and the progress he was making. He
showed her sketches of pictures that he intended to paint, but the word
love was never mentioned.

The time came now for Miss Lyster to return to her school duties. She
was not affected, but she felt the deepest sorrow. It was not pleasant
to leave such a home as Thorpe Castle for the drudgery of a school. But
she could see plainly if that visit was to be renewed she must go, and
make no sign.

Brother and sister were profuse in their thanks; they expressed the
deepest gratitude to Lord and Lady Ridsdale; they professed themselves
overcome with benefits. Lord Ridsdale received all these thanks with
great complacency, feeling that he deserved them. Lady Ridsdale's
impression was:

"I am glad they are gone, though I do not like to interfere in Marion's
affairs. I shall certainly advise her to drop that acquaintance as soon
as she can."

Allan bade Marion "good-bye." His last words to her were:

"I shall not seek to correspond with you clandestinely--nothing but the
fervor of my love can possibly excuse my having met you as I did. I
loved you, so I forgot prudence, ceremony, etiquette, and all. But,
Marion, you will remember that you are my promised wife."

She shrank back at the words. It was the greatest relief to her when
they went; it was as though some dark, brooding presence was removed