Egerton--as a kind of snare; but our visits there were always very
pleasant, and I grew in time to think with more indulgence of the
Rector's wife's desire for her favourite's advantage.

In all this time Angus Egerton had in no manner betrayed the state
of his feelings. If he met us in our walks oftener than seemed
possible by mere chance, there was nothing strictly lover-like in
his tone or conduct. But I have seen his face light up as he met my
dear girl at these times, and I have noticed a certain softening of
his voice as he talked to her, that I never heard on other
occasions.

And she? About her feelings I had much less doubt. She tried her
uttermost to hide the truth from me, ashamed of her regard for one
who had never yet professed to be more than a friend; but I knew
that she loved him. It was impossible, in the perfect companionship
and confidence of our lives, for Milly to keep this first secret of
her pure young heart hidden from me. I knew that she loved him; and
I began to look forward anxiously to Mr. Darrell's return, which
would relieve me of all responsibility, and perhaps put an end to
our friendship with Angus Egerton.


CHAPTER VIII.


ON THE WATCH.


The travellers came back to Thornleigh Manor in August, when the