"True; I have been a fool. I was a fool to think that one coming from
such a life as he has led could be happy with such as I am. I know the
truth now. I have bought the lesson dearly,--but perhaps not too
dearly, seeing that it will never be forgotten."

There was but little more said about the matter between our three
friends at Oxney Colne. What, indeed, could be said? Miss Le Smyrger
for a year or two still expected that her nephew would return and claim
his bride; but he has never done so, nor has there been any
correspondence between them. Patience Woolsworthy had learned her
lesson dearly. She had given her whole heart to the man; and, though
she so bore herself that no one was aware of the violence of the
struggle, nevertheless the struggle within her bosom was very violent.
She never told herself that she had done wrong; she never regretted her
loss; but yet--yet--the loss was very hard to bear. He also had loved
her, but he was not capable of a love which could much injure his daily
peace. Her daily peace was gone for many a day to come.

Her father is still living; but there is a curate now in the parish.
In conjunction with him and with Miss Le Smyrger she spends her time in
the concerns of the parish. In her own eyes she is a confirmed old
maid; and such is my opinion also. The romance of her life was played
out in that summer. She never sits now lonely on the hill-side
thinking how much she might do for one whom she really loved. But with
a large heart she loves many, and, with no romance, she works hard to
lighten the burdens of those she loves.

As for Captain Broughton, all the world know that he did marry that
great heiress with whom his name was once before connected, and that he
is now a useful member of Parliament, working on committees three or