clear because it is so very painful. Mary, I think that you are
committing your way unto the Lord, and you know 'He shall bring it to
pass.''

As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and Miss Ponsonby, stiffly
entering, said, 'Excuse my interruption, but I hope Lord Fitzjocelyn
will be considerate enough not to harass you any longer with
solicitations to act against your conscience.'

'He is not persuading me,' said Mary, turning towards her aunt a face
which, through all her dejection, proved her peace in his support and
approval, 'he is helping me.'

'Yes,' said Louis to the astonished aunt; 'since I have heard the
true state of the case, I have been convinced that there is no choice
for her but to go out, to repair the injustice so unfortunately done
to this poor lady. It is a noble resolution, and I perfectly concur
with her.'

'I am glad you think so properly, sir,' returned Miss Ponsonby.
'Lord Ormersfield seems quite of another opinion. He was desirous of
seeing you, Mary; but I have been telling him I could permit no more
interviews to-day.'

'Oh no,' said Mary, putting her hand to her head, as if it could bear
no more; 'not to-day! Louis, tell him how it is. Make him forgive
me; but do not let me see him yet.'

'You shall see no one,' said Louis, tenderly; 'you shall rest.
There--' and, as if he had the sole right to her, he arranged the