was so foreign to his nature and the life which he had resolutely chosen

for himself, that he began to regret Marjory's arrival. 'After all,' he

thought, 'I was as happy as a man need be. I could come down here and

watch my fishes all day long if I wanted: I was as settled and contented

as my old mill.'

Marjory came down to dinner, looking very trim and quiet; and no sooner

were all three at table than she made her father a speech, with her eyes

fixed upon her plate, but showing no other sign of embarrassment or

distress.

'Father,' she began, 'Mr. Will and I have been talking things over. We

see that we have each made a mistake about our feelings, and he has

agreed, at my request, to give up all idea of marriage, and be no more

than my very good friend, as in the past. You see, there is no shadow of

a quarrel, and indeed I hope we shall see a great deal of him in the

future, for his visits will always be welcome in our house. Of course,

father, you will know best, but perhaps we should do better to leave Mr.

Will's house for the present. I believe, after what has passed, we

should hardly be agreeable inmates for some days.'

Will, who had commanded himself with difficulty from the first, broke out

upon this into an inarticulate noise, and raised one hand with an

appearance of real dismay, as if he were about to interfere and

contradict. But she checked him at once looking up at him with a swift

glance and an angry flush upon her cheek.

'You will perhaps have the good grace,' she said, 'to let me explain

these matters for myself.'

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