for his jealousy and ill-humor! She would never be able to stand it, and
Charley wouldn't if she could; and then there would be a _dénouement_
like that which ruined Ralph Mohun. If there _is_ to be a row, it had
better come before than after marriage. It's more moral, and saves an
infinity of trouble. I think Charley is better away, too, just now.
Parndon wants us both to stay with him. We'll go; and so my conscience
will stand at ease for the present. When we are on neutral ground I can
help them, or, at all events, 'let the justice of the king pass by.'"

"Have you spoken to Forrester yet?"

"No; but he will do as I advise, and temporize, I am sure, though he
would hardly give up Bella, even if I asked him. He means business for
once, evidently. They will have plenty of time to concert their plans
before the summer. Charley wants no help in that. As to carrying them
out--we shall see. Well, you will go to-morrow. I am very sorry, for all
reasons. I hope you have not been much bored here. Kerton counts on you
for next winter."

I need not give my answer. I felt really loth to go; but, fortunately
for my peace of mind, I could not guess at the changes that would be
wrought in the hopes, the intentions, the destinies of all of us before
I should stand in the fine old manor-house again.

If adieus are painful in reality, they ate intensely stupid on paper--a
landscape without a foreground--so I spare you next morning's
leave-takings.

Guy had said nothing to his cousin then of the plan he had determined
on. I was glad of it. I was glad not to see, at parting, her sweet face