the whole scheme of concealment; and pushing aside the letter she
allowed it to remain unfolded and unaddressed. In a few minutes she
heard Swithin approaching, when she put the letter out of the way
and turned to receive him.

Swithin entered quietly, and looked round the room. Seeing with
unexpected pleasure that she was there alone, he came over and
kissed her. Her discomposure at some foregone event was soon
obvious.

'Has my staying caused you any trouble?' he asked in a whisper.
'Where is your brother this morning?'

She smiled through her perplexity as she took his hand. 'The oddest
things happen to me, dear Swithin,' she said. 'Do you wish
particularly to know what has happened now?'

'Yes, if you don't mind telling me.'

'I do mind telling you. But I must. Among other things I am
resolving to give way to your representations,--in part, at least.
It will be best to tell the Bishop everything, and my brother, if
not other people.'

'I am truly glad to hear it, Viviette,' said he cheerfully. 'I have
felt for a long time that honesty is the best policy.'

'I at any rate feel it now. But it is a policy that requires a
great deal of courage!'