"I have never seen her so well. Certainly she did not come down to
breakfast, but I believe that was merely from shyness. She appeared in the
dining-room directly after, and although it was evident she had been
crying, her step was as light and her colour as fresh as her lover even
could wish to see them."

"Then she is not without hope in the matter?"

"If she loves him, and I think she does, she is not without hope. But I do
not think the fact of her looking well would be sufficient to prove that.
For some mental troubles will favour the return of bodily health. They
will at least give one an interest in life."

"Then you think her father has given in a little about it?"

"I don't believe it.--If her illness and she were both of an ordinary
kind, she would gain her point now by taking to her bed. But from what I
know of Adela she would scorn and resist that."

"Well, we must let matters take their course. Harry is worthy of the best
wife in Christendom."

"I believe it. And more, if Adela will make that best wife, I think he
will have the best wife. But we must have patience."

Next morning, a letter arrived from Harry to the colonel. I have seen it,
and it was to this effect:

"My dear Sir,--As you will not see me, I am forced to write to you. Let my