sincerity of his heart when he made his offer. And had she accepted it
had she been able to accept it she believed that he would have loved
her truly and constantly. Such was his nature. But she also believed
that love with him, unrequited love, would have no enduring effect, and
that he had already resolved, with equal courage and wisdom, to tread
this short-lived passion out beneath his feet. One night had sufficed
to him for that treading out. As she thought of this the tears ran
plentifully down her cheek; and going again to her room she remained
there crying till it was time for her to wipe away the marks of her
weeping, that she might go to her father.

But she was very glad that Will bore it so well very glad! Her cousin
was safe against love-making once again.


CHAPTER VII

MISS AMEDROZ GOES TO PERIVALE

It had been settled for some time past that Miss Amedroz was to go to
Perivale for a few days in November. Indeed it seemed to be a
recognized fact in her life that she was to make the journey from
Belton to Perivale and back very often, as there prevailed an idea that
she owed a divided duty. This was in some degree hard upon her, as she
had very little gratification in these visits to her aunt. Had there
been any intention on the part of Mrs Winterfield to provide for her,
the thing would have been intelligible according to the usual
arrangements which are made in the world on such matters; but Mrs
Winterfield had scarcely a right to call upon her niece for dutiful
attendance after having settled it with her own conscience that her