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They reached the bridge which formed a link between the eastern and western halves of the parish Situated in a valley that was bounded outwardly by the sea, it forreat steepness to West Endelstow and the Vicarage There was no absolute necessity for either of the journey to hu ascent, Elfride, moved by an imitative instinct, suddenly juun to adopt the deliberate stalk he associated with this portion of the road

The youngthe silence 'Why, Miss Swancourt, what a risky thing to do!' he exclai down on the other side

'Oh no, not at all,' replied she coldly; the shadow phenomenon at Endelstow House still para by hiid reserve dictated by her tone Then apparently thinking that it was only for girls to pout, he came serenely round to her side, and offered his ar the re three-quarters of the steep

Here was a temptation: it was the first tirown-up wo that she had a right to refuse it Till to-night she had never received ht be contained in such hoive me your hand;' 'Elfride, take hold of my arm,' from her father Her callow heart made an epoch of the incident; she considered her array of feelings, for and against Collectively they were for taking this offered arle one of pique deter

'No, thank you, Mr S better by ile atteht think of her ardness, she im her statehts, I will take it,' she said

They sloent their way up the hill, a few yards behind the carriage

'How silent you are, Miss Swancourt!' Stephen observed

'Perhaps I think you silent too,' she returned

'I may have reason to be'

'Scarcely; it is sadness that makes people silent, and you can have none'