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It was better so, she said to herself

The days went pleasantly enough after that She would not for an instant allow to herself that any of their sain in a feeeks On the contrary, it was because she had detected a weakness in his regard, she told herself, and had resolutely staed about the shooting--that is to say, she infor keeper that Master Laurie would be home for Christmas as usual--all in an unemotional manner, and went about her various affairs without effort

She found Mrs Baxter just a little trying now and then That lady had coion--certainly references to it had dropped out of his letters--and that Mr Ryht

"The Vicar must dine here at least thile Laurie is here," she observed at breakfast one ie reflected upon a reard to the clergyman

"Do you think--do you think he understands Laurie," she said

"He has known him for fifteen years," remarked Mrs Baxter

"Perhaps it's Laurie that doesn't understand hiie tranquilly

"I daresay"

"And--and what do you think Mr Ryirl

"Just settle the boy I don't think Laurie's very happy Not that I would willingly disturb his ain; I don't ion is just the one for certain temperaments, and Laurie's is one of them; but a few helpful words sometimes--" Mrs Baxter left it at an aposiopesis, a forgie thought, in the old lady's hints, and she helped herself in silence to marmalade Laurie's letters, which she usually read, did not refer ion, or to the Brompton Oratory, as his custom had been at first She tried to n; that it showed that Laurie was settling down froht feverishness of zeal that seeie found converts a little trying now and then; they would talk so much about facts, certainly undisputed, and for that very reason not to be talked about Laurie had been aalone, and his contearded with respect, was hard to understand In fact she had remonstrated on the subject of the Vicar