Wonderful to say, these long tete-a-tetes had not attracted
observation. No rumor of them escaped, so that no thorn appeared
in this path of roses which led to the brink of a precipice.

It wanted three days until the time settled for the return of
Lord and Lady Earle. Sir Harry Laurence, of Holtham Hall, asked
Ronald to spend a day with him; and, having no valid excuse, he
consented.

"I shall not see you tomorrow, Dora," he said. "I am going away
for the day."

She looked at him with a startled face. One whole day without
him! Then, with a sudden deadly pain, came the thought that
these golden days must end; the time must come when she should
see him no more. The pretty, dimpled face grew pale, and a dark
shadow came into the clear eyes.

"Dora," cried Ronald, "why do you look so frightened? What is
it?"

She gave him no answer, but turned away. He caught her hands in
his own.

"Are you grieved that I am going away for one whole day?" he
asked. But she looked so piteous and so startled that he waited
for no reply. "I shall continue to see you," he resumed. "I
could not let any day pass without that."

"And afterward," she said, simply, raising her eyes to his full