of life a change of any kind is very unwise and bad for them. Then there
is Grandmama Bonner. She can hurt us really, if she pleases. Oh, my
dear Evan! if you had only been a curate! Why isn't your name Parsley?
Then my Grandmama the Countess of Elburne. Well, we have a Countess on
our side, haven't we? And that reminds me, Evan, if we're to be happy
and succeed, you must promise one thing: you will not tell the Countess,
your sister. Don't confide this to her. Will you promise?'

Evan assured her he was not in the habit of pouring secrets into any
bosom, the Countess's as little as another's.

'Very well, then, Evan, it's unpleasant while it lasts, but we shall gain
the day. Uncle Melville will give you an appointment, and then?'

'Yes, Rose,' he said, 'I will do this, though I don't think you can know
what I shall have to endure-not in confessing what I am, but in feeling
that I have brought you to my level.'

'Does it not raise me?' she cried.

He shook his head.

'But in reality, Evan--apart from mere appearances--in reality it does!
it does!'

'Men will not think so, Rose, nor can I. Oh, my Rose! how different you
make me. Up to this hour I have been so weak! torn two ways! You give
me double strength.'

Then these lovers talked of distant days--compared their feelings on this