JFv^nk;^44^t«-if;»,iU«;^: 
 
CORNELL 
 
 UNIVERSITY 
 
 LIBRARY 
 
 GIFT OF 
 M. W. Sampson 
 
PR4883.L7S4 """'*™">"-"'"^ 
 Sent to Coventry. 
 
 3 1924 013 51 6" 087" 
 
Cornell University 
 Library 
 
 The original of tliis book is in 
 tine Cornell University Library. 
 
 There are no known copyright restrictions in 
 the United States on the use of the text. 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924013516087 
 
SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
ABERDEEN UNIVERSITY PRESS 
 
Sent to Coventry 
 
 =• V By 
 
 Esme Stuart '' 
 
 ^Author of *'A Woman of Forty," "Arrested," 
 *'A Mine of Wealth," etc., etc. 
 
 SECOND EDITION 
 
 London 
 
 John Long 
 
 6 Chandos Street, Strand 
 1898 
 
CONTENTS 
 
 PAGE 
 
 CHAPTER I 
 Settling in ^ 
 
 CHAPTER II 
 Into the Village i6 
 
 CHAPTER III 
 The Countess 27 
 
 CHAPTER IV 
 On the Shore 38 
 
 CHAPTER V 
 A Child between Them 50 
 
 CHAPTER VI 
 The First Visitors 60 
 
 CHAPTER VII 
 A New Horizon 70 
 
 CHAPTER VIII 
 Filial Affection 81 
 
 CHAPTER IX 
 TEteX-T£te gi 
 
 CHAPTER X 
 Foreign Guests gg 
 
 CHAPTER XI 
 An Ants' Nest log 
 
 CHAPTER XII 
 A Visitor at Another Farm 120 
 
 CHAPTER XIII 
 Fashioning Lives 129 
 
 CHAPTER XIV 
 The Even Balance 142 
 
 CHAPTER XV 
 pN the Eve ,..,,,,,.. igq 
 
vi CONTENTS 
 
 CHAPTER XVI 
 A Memorable Hour 158 
 
 CHAPTER XVII 
 The First Chord 165 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII 
 
 Dulcie's Decision 172 
 
 CHAPTER XIX 
 
 A Woman with a Mission . j8i 
 
 CHAPTER XX 
 
 By THE Stream igo 
 
 CHAPTER XXI 
 A Faded Dream 202 
 
 CHAPTER XXII 
 Apples of Sodom 212 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII 
 The Last Evening 222 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV 
 Departed 231 
 
 CHAPTER XXV 
 Peppermint Lozenges . . . . . . . . 240 
 
 CHAPTER XXVI / 
 Not in Vain . . . , 250 
 
 CHAPTER XXVII 
 At the Castle 264 
 
 CHAPTER XXVIII 
 Recalled 271 
 
 CHAPTER XXIX 
 Changed 270 
 
 CHAPTER XXX 
 A Return ' . _ 388 
 
 CHAPTER XXXI 
 By the Running Water 206 
 
 CHAPTER XXXII 
 Life's Imperfections , , ,q_ 
 
SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 CHAPTER I 
 
 SETTLING IN 
 
 " Of course people who have failed can't expect 
 much," said Mrs. Leworthy, slowly gazing round the 
 sitting-room of Combeside Farm, " It is very kind 
 of Sir David Tracey to trust your father with this 
 place. I am so delicate and your brother is a cripple, 
 so we have only you, Byrd, to depend upon." 
 
 " Beggcirs can't pick and choose," answered Byrd 
 Leworthy, laughing. " Father is really a good farmer 
 though he is a gentleman, but no talent can change 
 the weather or alter the price of corn. At all events, 
 here we shall loose Sir David's moriey and not our 
 own," and Byrd's merriment would have made any 
 one less doleful than Mrs. Leworthy laugh in com- 
 pany. 
 
 " It's a dreadful change, and this is a poor sort of 
 place for " 
 
 " But such a glorious country, mother dear." 
 
 " Think of the loneliness, Byrd, the utter loneliness 
 (7) 
 
8 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 of it all. I never realised what it would be till we 
 were in it. It is miles round by the road anywhere, 
 and the path down that dreadful combe is so steep 
 and rough that I shall never get as far as Seawater, 
 never ! " 
 
 " I can ride down on old Dobbin ; it's lucky we 
 could not part with him, and you know I can bake 
 and make butter better than ordinary people. You 
 forget that I am the woman who won the County 
 Council prize for laundry work and butter-making." 
 
 " That won't take you into society ! I am sure no 
 one will come to this poor place." 
 
 " So much the worse for them. Look, mother, at 
 these roses over the porch, and if you listen we can 
 just distinguish the sound of the stream coming from 
 the upper combe. Let's put a good face on our mis- 
 fortunes." 
 
 This was what Mrs. Leworthy had never done, and 
 at forty-five she was not likely to begin. As a 
 gentleman farmer her husband had lost half his 
 money on a Midland farm which he owned, and the 
 other half in consequence of a bank failure. Nothing 
 remained now to the family but Mrs. Leworthy's 
 small private income, so that it seemed almost a 
 godsend when Sir David Tracey, hearing of his old 
 schoolfellow's distress, offered him one of his farms 
 which he was meaning to manage himself. His offer 
 ^vE^s written in these words : — ■ 
 
SETTLING IN 9 
 
 " The place is frightfully lonely, but the country is 
 beautiful ; still, if you do not despise the offer, I shall 
 be only too glad to see you at Combeside. The house 
 is, I am afraid, not much to look at, but it shall be 
 put into thorough repair, and, at all events, you shall 
 have no money anxieties." 
 
 Mr. Leworthy was getting on in years, and his 
 spirit was broken by long periods of anxiety. When 
 he and Byrd went to view the place they both agreed 
 that they could manage to live there. The land was 
 rich, and the past dry seasons had not here affected 
 the crops. Byrd fell in love with the hills and the 
 combe, with the many glimpses of the sea, and with 
 the wild loneliness which surrounded Combeside ; but 
 she feared for her mother. At Ashley they had kept 
 a carriage, and had gone into such society as the 
 place provided. Here, in these wilds of Devonshire, 
 there was no society, and they could not keep a car- 
 riage. Her mother had few resources, and Grant 
 Leworthy was a cripple. It was, as the phrase goes, 
 burying themselves alive, but by taking , this farm 
 they not only would have a home and live free of 
 expense, but they would be able to keep Grant with 
 them. Byrd was a modern girl in the best sense of 
 the word. She had been educated at a neighbour- 
 ing high school, to which she had driven in every 
 morning ; and when her school-days were over she 
 had longed to go to college, but there was no money 
 
10 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 to spare, and she could not leave Grant and her 
 mother, so, unknown to any one, Byrd made up her 
 mind to a great renunciation. She turned her back 
 voluntarily on the world of action, and without a 
 word of sympathy from any but an admiring school- 
 fellow, she resigned herself to be nothing greater than 
 a home Byrd. 
 
 She was strong by nature, strong bodily and men- 
 tally, but like all high-spirited girls she had her times 
 of weariness and of discouragement. The " great re- 
 nunciation " had cut a deep notch in her character, 
 but she had carefully plastered it over so that no one 
 should guess the depth of the wound. She would 
 not be half-hearted in anything she undertook. Now, 
 Byrd and her father had been a week at Combeside 
 putting everything in order, and on this warm May 
 day Mrs. Leworthy and Grant had arrived. 
 
 Byrd knew beforehand that she should have a bad 
 quarter of an hour ; she even foresaw that this quarter 
 of an hour might be lengthened on indefinitely, so 
 she braced herself up for the ordeal. 
 
 " Why, this place is not more than a big cottage ! 
 How could Sir David Tracey call this a farmhouse ? " 
 moaned Mrs. Leworthy. 
 
 Taking no notice of complaints, Byrd took her 
 mother and Grant all over the dwelling. There was 
 the big sitting-room — parlour, Byrd called it — with 
 ■quaint broad window-sills, long low windows with 
 
SETTLING IN 11 
 
 small panes, but the great open hearth was certainly 
 cheerful. This was to be the general dwelling-room. 
 There was besides a very big kitchen, as old-fashioned 
 and as picturesque as the parlour. This was for the 
 use of the farm servants and of their own servants. 
 There was yet one more room, which was to serve 
 both for her father to sit in and for a dining-room for 
 themselves. Upstairs there were plenty of low bed- 
 rooms, but the chamber Byrd had chosen, much to 
 her mother's horror, was one from which the only 
 exit opened on a balcony. From this two flights of 
 steps descended, one to the ground-floor passage, and 
 the other to the garden, which, on this side, consisted 
 of a steep slope down to the stream. This stream 
 was crossed by a picturesque bridge, whence a path 
 mounted again to still higher heather hills. 
 
 This upland farm had but one real road, which, 
 after some ascent, joined a great main road leading to 
 the little town of St- Martin's. But one could reach 
 the seaside village of Seawater by taking a steep 
 winding lane through the woods for at least two 
 miles. 
 
 " Buried in the country," is a phrase used with vary- 
 ing meanings, but here at Combeside it was nearly 
 literal, and Byrd had this last week thoroughly under- 
 stood its meaning. Delighted as she was at all the 
 beauty that surrounded her, she saw clearly that she 
 was now entering on the second great renunciation of 
 
12 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 her life. At home they had friendly neighbours and 
 a few real friends ; here they were certainly alone, and 
 this loneliness made Byrd more introspective than she 
 was by nature. She looked at her father and saw 
 that he was already a little bent, very weary-looking, 
 grey and depressed. His faded blue eyes gazed at 
 people with a sad expression, from which all the fire 
 was burnt out. He had grey eyebrows and a short 
 iron-grey beard, but he could by no stretch of the 
 imagination be called handsome. Byrd regretted it, 
 for she worshipped beauty. Mrs. Leworthy, on the 
 contrary, was nice-looking, but she was very thin and 
 very fretful. If ever she smiled she almost apolo- 
 gised for such a deviation from her professed sadness. 
 Her hair was brought low on her temples in an old- 
 fashioned manner, suggestive of the " keepsake " 
 period. Her brown eyes had once been pretty, but 
 they were now spoilt by her habitual frown. Her 
 nose was thin, and the corners of her mouth in- 
 variably drooped. 
 
 Grant was a pleasant-looking fellow, but he could 
 only walk with the help of crutches. In his child- 
 hood he had caught scarlet fever, which had nearly 
 killed him, and had at last left him a confirmed cripple. 
 He had never been to school or to college ; he was a 
 good deal self-educated, and had erroneous notions 
 about many things. In this family Byrd seemed to 
 b§ an anachrpqisni. l^aM and strong, her face alsQ 
 
SETTLING IN 13 
 
 was fresh-looking, and her hazel eyes had such a 
 tender look of womanly sympathy that she naturally 
 attracted people. But she was not, strictly speaking, 
 beautiful. The square chin was a little too heavy, 
 but her figure was perfect, and her hair was the crown 
 of her glory. Her high spirits and her sense of fun 
 were the joy of her father, though few would have 
 guessed this by his outwafd appearance. The truth 
 was that they were selfish, and all expected too much 
 from Byrd. . It was Byrd here, Byrd there, Byrd for 
 everything that was wanted. As to what Byrd would 
 like herself, that did not seem to enter their heads. 
 Byrd was a necessity, and a necessity has no busi- 
 ness to doubt its own use or to want anythii^ for 
 itself. 
 
 The first morning after the family had settled in, 
 Byrd early jumped out of bed and ran to open her 
 French window. She threw back both dcKirs wide 
 and let the morning sunlight come straight in upon 
 her as she stood bare-footed, in her white nightdress, 
 upon the wooden balcony. 
 
 "This is the beginning, and middle,, and end of 
 everything," she thought "Father and mother will 
 never move again, and I shall never be able to go 
 away. Well, it's best to face it at once. Here I 
 am for good and all ; but I am very, very thankful 
 for this beauty. You dear hills of heather, and the 
 little combe hiding in between you, you are, you 
 
14 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 must be, my friends and companions now. That 
 blackbird is greeting me ; he sings his best and so 
 must I." 
 
 So out of the fulness of her young Hghtheartedness 
 she sang : — 
 
 Roses White and red, 
 White and red I cry, 
 Pretty maidens 
 Come and buy, come, oh, come and buy. 
 Come and buy my roses, 
 Gather'd fresh at dawn of day. 
 Buds whose scented breath composes 
 Every sweet that breathes of May. 
 Pretty maidens 
 
 She paused, and stretching out her hand she 
 picked a red rose from above her window, but one 
 sharp thorn pierced her hand, and she drew it back 
 laughing. 
 
 " Come buy my thorns as well as my roses. There's 
 a drawback in everything. At all events this room 
 is quite delightful, and suitable for a Romeo. The 
 drawback is that a Romeo will never come by 
 here." 
 
 The blackbird sang louder, as if in response to her 
 greeting, and his clear luscious note seemed to thrill 
 through Byrd's whole being, and to raise expectations 
 of some future happiness, even though the probability 
 was all against it. The birch-trees only just clothed 
 in their delicate green proudly displayed each leaf 
 of their extending boughs, and the distant combe 
 
SETTLING IN 15 
 
 appeared to her like successive green curves of 
 foliage, one above the other. The morning shadows 
 of deep blue and purple lay lightly on the rich brown 
 heather. 
 
 " Byrd ! " called a fretful voice, and the girl was 
 recalled to the fact that she was still in her white 
 nightdress. 
 
CHAPTER II 
 
 INTO THE VILLAGE 
 
 After a week of settling in, during which time Byrd 
 had not leisure to do more than breathe the fresh air 
 from her balcony, she determined to mount Dobbin 
 and make a journey of discovery down the steep 
 combe path. Byrd was, in many ways, a thoroughly 
 independent girl ; not what is, perhaps, always meant 
 by the term, but independent in the best sense — that 
 is, she had no false pride. She could turn her hand 
 and her brain to anything and everything. She was 
 quick of thought and quick of action, not diffident, 
 though not conceited, and she had never been accus- 
 tomed to depend on others. She had one drawback, 
 if drawback it may be called — she had not yet loved 
 deeply. She did not believe even in the feeling, 
 though the land of romance and poetry was revealed 
 to her in books. Her family relied on her, and she 
 was just a little scornful of the idea of being dependent 
 on any one else. Still, she was fond of her fellow- 
 creatures ; she wanted companionship. Where was 
 
 it to come from ? Sir David Tracey was an elderly 
 
 (16) 
 
INTO THE VILLAGE 17 
 
 man, living eight miles from Combeside, and his 
 household consisted of a son, who was given to 
 scientific pursuits, and a daughter, whom Byrd had 
 once seen, and whom she had called an old maid. 
 There was very little hopes of any excitement coming 
 from that quarter. There was a beautiful castle near 
 Seawater, but it was empty, for the owner, Lord 
 Lovegrove, was a schoolboy. She had now gathered 
 from the farm men that there were three houses at 
 Seawater, but only three, which might offer her some 
 hope of society. There was Squire Hammond and 
 his wife at the Gables, a large, low house near the sea. 
 Above him, and nearer the wood, was a new red-brick 
 mansion, where lived a retired general and two 
 daughters. A mile further on was a small, old- 
 fashioned house built by Dr. Voss, who lived with 
 his sister. Byrd had several times shaken her head 
 over this list. It did not look very promising, even 
 in her eyes. 
 
 " Fossils, all of them, I'm sure ; and I suppose I 
 shall soon turn into a fossil myself, but I don't want 
 to just yet.'' 
 
 But as she saddled Dobbin she was not very unhappy 
 over the idea, feeling too much alive to believe in the 
 fossil theory. When she had provided her mother 
 with a basket of socks to darn, and had given a look 
 at Grant, who was in his room reading a book, she 
 mounted the old horse. Her father was out on the 
 
18 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 upland meadow. He was always out, always silent, 
 liking only to read his newspaper when he came in, 
 so as to be spared more than his fair share of his 
 wife's complaints. She had converted him into a 
 silent partner, having soured his character by constant 
 complaints, though, as far as any definite action went, 
 she was all that she should be, and on her tombstone 
 would most likely be engraved, " A loving wife, and a 
 tender mother". Grant was also affected by her 
 constant murmurs, so he buried himself in a book 
 when not otherwise employed. It was only Byrd 
 who bore with her patiently ; but then she was by 
 nature capable of throwing off depression. 
 
 In the presence of strangers, however, Mrs. Leworthy 
 was sometimes transformed. Her youthful eloquence 
 returned, and she could be almost joyous, and often 
 witty. 
 
 " You'll break your neck down that horrid road, 
 Byrd," said Mrs. Leworthy, coming to the front door. 
 " I call it a very poor pastime for you, though you do 
 seem to enjoy it." 
 
 " But, mother, the combe is beautiful. The oaks 
 are so exquisite. Dobbin and I shall be very happy." 
 
 " Tell the baker at Seawater to send a loaf, Byrd. 
 We shall have none for tea. I call this worse than 
 any backwood I have ever heard about." 
 
 " We are only two miles from a shop ! Some day 
 you must try and walk down." 
 
INTO THE VILLAGE 19 
 
 " I should never get back again. No, your father 
 has brought me here to die of loneliness." 
 
 " But you know that company often tires you." 
 
 " I shan't be tired here with it, anyhow ! You had 
 better go at once, Byrd, and don't be home late," 
 
 Byrd smiled and nodded, and made signs to Dobbin 
 to proceed, which he did at a slow foot's pace. 
 
 The girl heaved a sigh of relief. She was going to 
 have two hours of freedom and pleasure, for solitude 
 with nature was a real pleasure to her. If love had 
 not perfected her character, her appreciation of the 
 country had done much for her. The path from the 
 farm led at first down a winding road, which gradually 
 circled round the house, and from which Byrd's 
 balcony could eventually be seen. Then came a sharp 
 turn to the left, and the road now following a beautiful 
 clear stream with trees on either side, and occasionally 
 spanned by a little wooden foot-bridge often half 
 hidden by newly unfolding ferns. After a quarter of 
 an hour of this level beauty the path made a dip, and 
 all the rest of the way was very steep, going down 
 and down towards the sea. On the left the stream 
 had dug for itself a deep channel, thus forming steep 
 banks, where oaks, birches and hazels strove for 
 mastery. How Byrd and Dobbin enjoyed the sweet 
 breath of the woods ! Now and then the girl was 
 conscious of the sweet smell of honeysuckle, or else 
 Dobbin bruised some wild mint, and his mistress 
 
20 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 inhaled its scent, as he lazily lumbered along. His 
 slow pace suited his young rider, for she could look 
 about her and notice a hundred things. Now and 
 then she could see the water forming little cascades 
 over great grey boulders, or making miniature whirl- 
 pools before it made a sudden leap over a steep rock. 
 
 " It's going to the unknown sea, just as I am," said 
 Byrd to herself ; " and there it will be lost, instead of 
 being or thinking itself of great importance as it is 
 here ! " 
 
 Then she laughed at the analogy, for it no longer 
 fitted her case. She was of very little importance up 
 at the farm except to her own -people. What a little 
 sphere that was ! 
 
 Down, down, always down, with the oak woods on 
 one side and the stream on the other. Dobbin's 
 motion was fatiguing ; she would have preferred 
 walking, but her mother had provided her with a list 
 of things which she was to bring back, and she could 
 not carry them home without Dobbin's help. 
 
 " I wonder what Erla would say to this ? " she 
 thought at last. " I must describe it to her. Erla 
 would despise such poor joys. She is at college — she 
 will make her mark in the world." 
 
 Erla was her school friend. She was very rich and 
 very clever, and she had taken a fancy to Byrd 
 because their characters differed entirely. 
 
 " Erla must come here, and I must find a lover for 
 
Into the village 21 
 
 her. She is never happy without admiration, and then 
 she can moon about the combe and find out if he loves 
 her for herself. How amusing it will be ! " 
 
 Down, down, to the sea. All at once the path 
 became a little broader and the sight of the sea more 
 frequent. Then suddenly the path broadened out 
 into a respectable road, and Byrd emerged from the 
 belt of wood and found that she was leaving behind 
 her the last steep descent to the sea. 
 
 Not counting the few houses built by the gentle- 
 folk, the village consisted, besides the old castle, of a 
 very pretty inn, a little pier and a few scattered cot- 
 tages. Byrd at once made her way to the village 
 shop. She had to stoop on her saddle to see inside, 
 and then Mr. Chegwidden came out to inquire as to 
 her wants. 
 
 " Will you send a loaf to Combeside Farm, please, 
 Mr. Chegwidden ? " 
 
 " Send it ! And be you going to be the messenger, 
 miss ? There's no other." 
 
 " I'd rather not," said Byrd laughing. 
 
 " Then it can go up by the milk-boy to-morrow." 
 
 " But we want to eat it to-day," 
 
 Mr. Chegwidden smiled, but made no other offer. 
 The milk-boy or the maid, she was at liberty to choose. 
 
 " Well, I must carry it, but I am going on to St. 
 Martin's, and when I come back you'll have it ready 
 for me." 
 
22 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 " My lad would have run up, miss, for ye, but he's 
 up at the castle. It's just been let to a widder who's 
 in a great hurry to come in !" 
 
 " The castle is let ! That is a piece of news. 
 Thank you, Mr. Chegwidden." 
 
 " Be ye settled in, miss ? " 
 
 " Yes ; for years, I should think." 
 
 There was nothing more to say, and Byrd rode on. 
 Fortune favoured her, however, for Squire Hammond 
 came out of his gate as she rode by. He was short 
 in stature, and he had a very determined face. His 
 grey eyes peered from under his grey eyebrows. He 
 was the perfect type of the autocratic squire, and he 
 was not ashamed of staring hard at Byrd. A new 
 face to whom he could not put a name was an insult 
 to him, so he immediately went into the shop and 
 questioned Mr. Chegwidden. 
 
 " Chegwidden, who is that young lady — at least, 
 that young woman ? " 
 
 " Why, sir, she's daughter to the new farmer up at 
 Combeside, Mr. Leworthy." 
 
 "Ah, yes; I had forgotten. Sir David Tracey's 
 let his farm to a broken-down gentleman. Stuff and 
 nonsense ! No gentleman farmer should have a farm 
 of mine. I prefer the real thing in the way of a 
 farmer — a man who has daughters that can cook and 
 make bread and butter." 
 
 Mr. Chegwidden of course agreed, for to disagree 
 
Into the village as 
 
 with Squire Hammond was to court ruin, and the 
 grocer was, on the contrary, anxious to make a 
 fortune. 
 
 The Squire walked off quite displeased by the very 
 idea of Byrd. He had noticed the bright face and 
 the smiling eyes. She had no business to be a lady. 
 
 " Tracey's vile Radical ideas is the reason of it all. 
 What business has he to put a gentleman in his fafrm ? 
 The girl expects me to call, I suppose, but I shall do 
 no such thing." 
 
 He walked into his house and met his wife, a stiff, 
 pale, reserved-looking lady. 
 
 " Elinor, my dear, I've just seen a young woman 
 riding through the village, and I have found out who 
 she is." 
 
 "Indeed!" 
 
 " Yes ; Tracey's new tenant. A broken-down gen- 
 tleman farmer. Did you ever hear of such folly ? " 
 
 " What is the name ? " 
 
 " Leworthy." 
 
 " Yes, of course ; I heard of their coming. He is a 
 gentleman, I believe." 
 
 " Don't call on them, Elinor. They have stepped 
 out of their station, if they ever had one, and they 
 must associate with their equals." 
 
 " I have no wish to call on them." 
 
 " Come out, my dear. There's the General on the 
 pier with his two girls." 
 
24 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 Mrs. Hammond came out, carefully putting on her 
 gloves and putting up her sunshade. 
 
 " Hulloa, General, did you see that girl on horse- 
 back?" 
 
 " Yes. Dora and Dulcie are full of curiosity." 
 
 The Squire repeated his information. 
 
 " Oh, how interesting ! " said Dora. 
 
 " So romantic ! " echoed Dulcie. 
 
 " Romantic 1 Stuff and nonsense ! Romantic ! " 
 The Squire got red with wrath. " I hope you will 
 not introduce her into this circle. I shall take no 
 notice of them." 
 
 Dora and Dulcie were nearing forty. They were 
 very badly educated, but they made up for this loss 
 by always being in a state of admiration. They 
 painted feeble sketches and played feeble tunes on a 
 bad piano. They began classes for the poor, and left 
 them off soon after they had begun them. They read 
 novels and wanted to be married, but they had never 
 had an offer, though they had each a past love story, 
 which they talked over with their dearest friends 
 when they came to stay with them. They were, 
 besides, harmless members of society, and had but 
 one glaring fault — they were too attentive to their 
 father. They were very much afraid of displeasing 
 the Squire, because they were his tenants, and any 
 day he might turn them out. The sea air was neces- 
 sary to their dear father's well-being, and he liked the 
 
INTO THE VILLAGE 25 
 
 place, so however romantic Byrd's story might sound, 
 they would not dare, if the Squire forbade it, to call 
 upon her or her family. 
 
 " Dr. Voss will most likely make friends with them," 
 said Dulcie. , 
 
 " We sent for Dr. Voss," continued Dora, " because 
 dear father coughed so much last night." 
 
 " My girls are too anxious," said the General, " but, 
 of course, in my state of health " 
 
 " Dear papa, we can't help being anxious. All the 
 London doctors warned us about your chest." 
 
 The Squire grunted, 
 
 " Stuff and nonsense ! You look uncommonly well, 
 General." 
 
 " There is Dr. Voss," said Mrs. Hammond suddenly. 
 She spoke so seldom that people always received her 
 words as if she were prophesying. 
 
 The doctor appeared. He was a very quiet man. 
 
 " Ah, Voss, you must not introduce these new people 
 into this charmed circle, or the Squire will expel us," 
 said the General. 
 
 "What people?" 
 
 " The people Tracey has put into his farm — Combe- 
 side. You must have met the girl." 
 
 " Yes, I met a girl on an old horse." 
 
 " Dear Dr. Voss," said Dulcie, looking shyly at him. 
 She believed that she was secretly dear to him. " You 
 are so matter-of-fact." 
 
26 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 " Do you prefer matters of fiction, Miss Jeff?" 
 
 " Oh, how funny you are ! No, but we are all Con- 
 servatives in this sweet village, and we could not bear 
 to — to know a wicked Radical." 
 
 " New people never interest me," said Dr. Voss. 
 " I'll walk home with you, general. What's the 
 matter with you ? " 
 
 Dora and Dulcie Jeff ran each on one side of their 
 father, and gave him an arm, whilst Squire Ham- 
 mond and his wife returned slowly home to tea. 
 
 " Old fools ! " said the Squire. 
 
 " Which of them ? " asked his wife. 
 
 " All of them," said the Squire shortly. 
 
 Byrd came back loaded with groceries, and then 
 hoisted the big loaf upon Dobbin's broad back when 
 she repassed Mr. Chegwidden's shop. She had seen 
 the three important families of Seawater, and they 
 had seen her, but she returned home without having 
 spoken to them, and during the next week none of 
 them called at Combeside. 
 
 Byrd realised then that she was to be ostracised ; 
 then she laughed softly to herself, but the laugh was 
 a little bitter, as she thought : " We are buried alive, 
 really and truly". Her mother bemoaned herself 
 more than usual, but her father said nothing. 
 
CHAPTER III 
 
 THE COUNTESS 
 
 It was very easy to ostracise Byrd Leworthy, but as 
 if to avenge her a terrible blow fell on the village. 
 Just a week after Byrd's memorable ride down to 
 Seawater, Mrs. Hammond had a letter from a dear 
 friend who was very highly connected. 
 
 " I am sorry to hear, dear Julia, from private 
 reliable information, that the Countess von Wurm, 
 who is Lord Lovegrove's new tenant, is a very worldly 
 woman. She is an Englishwoman who married a 
 foreign count because he was rich, and now that he 
 is dead she means to enjoy herself She is quite a 
 fast woman, not at all your style, so I fear it will be a 
 great disappointment to you and to the dear Squire, I 
 further gather that she belongs to the Women's Liberal 
 League. The Squire will, I know, be horrified." 
 
 Mrs. Hammond read the quotation to her husband. 
 He had himself just heard of the castle being let to a 
 Countess Wurm, an Englishwoman by birth, but these 
 new particulars made him turn crimson with indig- 
 nation. 
 
 (27) 
 
28 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 "What do those confounded guardians mean by 
 letting it to such a woman ! I consider it an insult to 
 me. I believe Tracey is at the bottom of it. One of 
 this young Lovegrove's guardians is a relation of his. 
 To let this old historic castle to such a woman is dis- 
 graceful, simply disgraceful." 
 
 " Still, John, she may be quiet and respectable." 
 
 " Impossible. I shall tell Voss and the general 
 that I won't have her asked to darken my doors. 
 They must not call upon her. You understand, 
 Elinor, that no Radical hussy crosses my threshold." 
 
 " She would not wish for our society." 
 
 " Eh ? Not wish for our society ! And pray, what 
 will shq do without us? None of my people shall 
 work for her." 
 
 Mrs. Hammond was silent. If the Squire took a 
 prejudice against any one it was not for her to combat 
 it ; still, she had been looking forward to a little more 
 lively society than usually fell to her share ; but now 
 her hopes were suddenly dashed to the ground. After 
 breakfast she made one more attempt. 
 
 " It's very wrong to be Radical, of course, but 
 perhaps this foreign husband of hers warped her mind. 
 We might bring her back to the right way of thinking." 
 
 " Elinor ! " thundered the Squire. " Most likely she 
 is a low-born impostor. I will have nothing to do 
 with her, nothing." 
 
 In this way Byrd and the Countess were put on the 
 
THE COUNTESS 29 
 
 same footing, though they were at present unaware of 
 their joint punishment. The Squire lived for politics.' 
 They were his life, his religion, his highest ideal. To 
 be anything but an old-fashioned Conservative was, 
 in his opinion, to be on the swift downward road to 
 perdition. He would see no other side to any question 
 upon which his own mind was made up. The future 
 hope of the British Empire lay in defeating every 
 Liberal measure that was brought forward. He would 
 willingly have suffered death for this cause. 
 
 So much enthusiasm for a cause made some young 
 fellows smile, but the Squire was impervious to scorn. 
 Unfortunately he had the power to " boycott " a new- 
 comer, and he exercised this privilege to the full. By 
 the time a carriage and pair drove into Seawater, and 
 then slowly climbed the steep carriage-drive up to the 
 castle, not one of the villagers would have dared to be 
 seen watching at their gates, neither man nor boy had 
 dared to work in the gardens, and the wives were 
 forced to put away from them all ideas of washing or 
 charing for the new Countess. 
 
 The Countess von Wurm, hearing that no one 
 wanted work at Seawater, had merely provided herself 
 from outside, little guessing the real state of things. 
 When the carriage stopped at the castle door one 
 bright May day, the Countess gazed for a moment 
 away from it towards the sea, and she thought to her- 
 self that she had seldom seen anything prettier. 
 
so SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 When she entered the castle, Dagmar, Countess von 
 Wurm, was also delighted with her new abode. She, 
 desired to live far away from the world of fashion, and 
 she flattered herself that she certainly had found one 
 of the most secluded places in England, and at this 
 moment she asked for nothing else. Her life had 
 been a great failure, and the shadow of deep grief still 
 surrounded her. She had lately lost her only child, 
 the one being on earth she loved, and she rebelled 
 against fate. She wanted to leave the gay world, 
 which since her husband's death she had fancied would 
 bring her happiness. By birth Dagmar was not of 
 noble descent. Her father had been an organist in 
 London, who had married one of his pupils, a curate's 
 pretty daughter, with nothing beyond her beauty and 
 her pretty voice to help them to keep the wolf from 
 the door. Her husband was suddenly killed by an 
 accident, and she found herself left with two young 
 children. She was a lady by birth, and she determined 
 to educate her children, even though her own relations 
 could not help her. Mrs. Tresiddar began to give 
 singing lessons. Her beauty and her pretty manners 
 helped her on. She found kind friends and she be- 
 came popular. She managed to give her boy Kilian 
 a good education. He was clever, and he was helped 
 by the patronage of his mother's rich pupils. He won 
 exhibitions and was soon enabled to keep himself. 
 There was Dagmar to provide for, and Dagmar was 
 
THE COUNTESS 31 
 
 beautiful, but not easy to manage. , She was brought 
 up to teach, but, unfortunately, teaching music wearied 
 her. One day Mrs. Tresiddar was asked to bring 
 Dagmar to an evening party, and she was quite the 
 loveliest girl in the room. The Count von Wurm, 
 who was staying with his English connections, fell in . 
 love with her at first sight and proposed at the end 
 of the week. He knew that he should encounter 
 strong opposition from his relations, but happily he 
 was his own master. The difficulty was, however, 
 greater on Dagmar's side, for she did not love him. 
 Heinrich von Wurm was twenty years older than 
 herself; he was plain, uninteresting ; in fact he had no 
 attraction for her. Against her indifference to him 
 she had to weigh her own future of constant teaching. 
 She hated teaching. She wanted to be rich and to 
 enjoy her life. Her mother, too, urged her to accept 
 this suitor. He was rich, he loved her, she would 
 be provided for all her life, and she could help her 
 brother. 
 
 Dagmar had a bitter struggle, for she was young 
 and enthusiastic. The world had not yet spoilt her 
 and she believed in love — but she hated teaching and 
 the outlook of a life of poverty. She could not, how- 
 ever, expect that fortune would give her another 
 chance where the suitor would be handsome as well 
 as rich. The hesitation did not last long ; she 
 accepted the Count and married hiCB^ Poor Dagmar 1 
 
32 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 she soon found out her mistake. The Count was very 
 rich and he loved her, but he possessed one of the 
 most jealous dispositions imaginable, and he was able 
 to make his young wife as miserable as it was possible 
 to be. 
 
 He watched her as if she had been his prisoner. 
 Every word she spoke to a stranger or to an acquaint- 
 ance was a subject of discussion and of suspicion. 
 Dagmar often sighed for the time when she had 
 nothing to live on but what she and her mother could 
 earn. The birth of her little girl, however, was a 
 comfort to her, and she gave her all the love that her 
 husband had never called out ; but soon he became 
 jealous even of the child, and the old life began again. 
 Then, one day, the Count caught a chill, and died 
 after an illness of three days. Dagmar nursed him 
 devotedly, but when his eyes were closed she left the 
 room, went to her child's nursery, and remained hours 
 alone with little Dagmar. Her mother, long ago 
 estranged from the Count, came to her, and Dagmar 
 was grateful for her sympathy ; but she herself was 
 changed. She could not forgive her mother for having 
 urged her to marry the Count. She cared only for 
 her child, but also she now wanted to enjoy herself — 
 she wanted to feel free. Her marriage had given her 
 neither freedom nor enjoyment. She took her child 
 and hurried off to Nice, where she was soon surrounded 
 by the light-hearted idlers of Europe. §hQ did not 
 
THE COUNTESS S3 
 
 mean to make any plans ; she only wanted joy, some- 
 thing tangible, something to assure her that money 
 was powerful. Naturally, she found suitors. The 
 rich and beautiful widow was soon the talk of the 
 place. She had not been enough accustomed to the 
 ways of the world to keep herself clear of gossip. 
 She was talked about, but she only smiled. She 
 knew that she did not want to marry ; she only 
 wanted amusement, and to live near her child. 
 
 Suddenly, without warning, the child was taken 
 from her. Her nurse, following the example of her 
 mistress, also wanted to amuse herself, and one day 
 she was lured away by a lover to a pleasure party. 
 She took the child with her. In stepping out of the 
 carriage her foot slipped, and she fell to the ground 
 with the little girl in her arms. The child's head 
 struck against the wheel and she was taken up dead. 
 The nurse was not hurt at all. 
 
 Dagmar never quite realised what took place during 
 the following month. She was very ill, and when she 
 recovered she fled from all the gay life. She now 
 only wanted loneliness. For a year she went from 
 place to place, seeking forgetfulness, but at last her 
 brother came to her help, and told her of the lonely 
 castle by the sea. Money was plentiful, and she 
 wished to be where no one would know her former 
 story. She wanted never to see a face which had 
 once looked upon her darling. Her brother had not 
 
34 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 seen her since her marriage, so she now clung to him, 
 but she would not see her mother. 
 
 Now, at last, she had come to this solitary place, 
 wondering if here she should find forgetfulness. The 
 beauty was soothing to her nerves, but she was not 
 sure if she should be able to bear the solitude. Per- 
 haps she had better fill the castle with foreign 
 friends and begin the foreign life again. She had 
 no plans, no object ; but still, as she entered the 
 castle, the beauty which surrounded her seemed to 
 soothe her. 
 
 The servants were all new, everything was fresh. 
 She had told her brother that she wished the life of 
 the castle to be a new era. Nothing should remind 
 her of her lost child. Perhaps, by this means, the 
 terrible, weary pain would depart. 
 
 The castle was perched on the top of the- cliff. It 
 looked like a bird brooding over its nest. There was 
 but one precipitous path leading from the grounds to 
 the shore, for the public pathway was high up on the 
 edge of the cliif. The private path burrowed under 
 the public way and formed an underground passage 
 till it emerged on the shore, the entrance being con- 
 cealed by what looked like an old lime-kiln. 
 
 Kilian had described all to her, and the reality 
 charmed her as much as the description. As she 
 stepped into the castle hall she saw a row of servants 
 waiting to receive her. She greeted them hastily, and 
 
THE COUNTESS 35 
 
 walked up the first flight of stairs into the drawing- 
 room. This was an octagon room, with a glorious 
 view of sea and wood, and a dim vision of the Welsh 
 coast, more or less distant, according to the weather. 
 The furniture was old-fashioned and heavy, but nature 
 supplied all such deficiencies. Then Dagmar went 
 over the rest of the place with the housekeeper, and 
 mentally she chose a nursery for the child who would 
 never want it. Her own room was over the drawing- 
 room, and the view from it was also very beautiful. 
 When the inspection was over, Dagmar sighed, but it 
 was a sigh of relief At last she could rest a little, if 
 rest could be found on earth. 
 
 " I hope your ladyship is satisfied," said the house- 
 keeper. " Mr. Tresiddar saw to everything himself, 
 and gave us orders.'' 
 
 "Yes, I am quite satisfied," she said slowly. Then 
 she dismissed Mrs. Harden, and sat down to her 
 solitary tea in the drawing-room. 
 
 " I like it," she said aloud ; " I like this solitude ; 
 it will do me good." 
 
 But hardly had she spoken than she heard a foot- 
 step, and the door was opened by her brother Kilian. 
 Holding on to his hand was a little girl of six years 
 old, the prettiest, most engaging child it was possible 
 so see. Dagmar started up, and a look of horror 
 spread over her face. 
 
 " I've come to stay with you, Dagmar," he said. " I 
 
36 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 couldn't bear to think of you alone ; and I've brought 
 Daisy." 
 
 Dagmar stood quite still, though mechanically she 
 held out her hand to him. She took no notice of 
 Daisy at all, who stared at the pretty lady with large, 
 surprised blue eyes. 
 
 " Daisy won't be in the way ; I always look after 
 her myself. You are not fit to cope with all these 
 strange people." 
 
 " Thank you, Kilian, for settling everything. I have 
 given you a great deal of trouble, but I don't really 
 want anything more." ' Then, thinking how ungl-acious 
 she must appear, she added : " But do stay. Oh, yes, 
 stay as long as you like; you know that you must 
 expect nothing from me." 
 
 " You will be dull here, and very soon you will be 
 bored to death," he said quietly. 
 
 " I shall be that anywhere," she answered, and then 
 she gave him some tea, still taking no notice of Daisy, 
 and soon after she left father and daughter to their 
 own devices. 
 
 Kilian was taking a long holiday. The brother 
 and sister had both weathered severe storms, so that 
 he too was glad to rest here in this lonely spot. He 
 had won a very good position for himself, being now 
 a house master at Ermston College, but he was now 
 taking a year's holiday, having found a substitute for 
 that time. A severe throat attack had necessitated this. 
 
THE COUNTESS 37 
 
 but now that he had not to use his voice he was getting 
 daily stronger. He had meant to enjoy his year of 
 idleness by taking Daisy abroad, but his sister's trouble 
 had stopped him. They were very fond of each other, 
 and now he was full of sympathy for her great sorrow. 
 He put away his own convenience for hers, for he saw 
 that in her present state she ought not to be left alone, 
 however much she wished it ; but now that he was 
 here, what could he do for her ? 
 
CHAPTER IV 
 
 ON THE SHORE 
 
 Byrd was getting accustomed to the loneliness because 
 it represented a certain amount of leisure, and until 
 now she had had but few leisure moments. At last, 
 however, all was put straight in the little house ; the 
 farm work went on in its somewhat methodical and 
 dreamy manner, and Mrs. Leworthy bemoaned herself 
 with greater energy than when she was more physically 
 weary. Grant retired to his room and surrounded 
 himself with books and writing, for he had a secret 
 passion for literature, and Byrd had a few hours in 
 the afternoon to dispose of as best suited her. She 
 knew now the names of the gentlefolks who lived at 
 Seawater, and she began to realise that they did not 
 mean to know anything about her. ' Her young heart 
 sank a little, but her courage was still strong. To- 
 day, as she walked down the glen, meaning somehow 
 to get to the sea, she raised her head with a sudden 
 feeling of pride. 
 
 " Well, if we are poor — ruined — I suppose that we 
 
 are the same identical people who, before this mis- 
 
 (38) 
 
ON THE SHORE 39 
 
 fortune, were good enough to be visited. I have got 
 a few books and plenty to do, and I love this glen with 
 all my heart. It will be dull in winter, but winter has 
 not come yet. Grant seems very happy, and father 
 is getting to look less worried. Mother would worry 
 anywhere, so she must not count, and I must make 
 up my mind that no one will want to buy my roses, 
 white or red. Well, if so, they must bloom unseen. 
 I wonder what this Countess is like ? They say she 
 is English. She will, I suppose, be even more stand- 
 off than the rest of them. Well, here I am, Byrd 
 Leworthy, and here I must stay, and I shall not begin 
 to cry yet." 
 
 She walked on quickly. She could go faster down 
 the glen than when she was perched on Dobbin's 
 back, and she had made her plan. She would get 
 down to the shore and climb up the cliff lower down, 
 and so get home in time for tea. When she reached 
 the village shop she went in to leave some orders with 
 Mr. Chegwidden. She wanted some brown bread ; 
 her mother fancied it, and would he, she said, take 
 some more of their butter to sell on commission ; and 
 had he got a lined saucepan ? 
 
 Mr. Chegwidden was a little hurt by her request. 
 
 " Well, miss, let's see. I've got an iron porridge 
 crock, a griddle, and some porridge dishes. Won't they 
 do yur business ? " 
 
 "Not quite; never mind. I shall be riding into 
 
40 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 St. Martin's soon, and I'll find it there at Mr. 
 Hales's." 
 
 " Thickee man'll have none, miss," said Mr. Cheg- 
 widden, still in a hurt tone. 
 
 But Byrd smoothed him down, extracted from him 
 a promise to take some more of the butter which she 
 made herself, and then, passing beyond his shop into 
 the little port, she hurried on to the shore. Seawater 
 beach has beautiful views, but it has not a place where 
 one can take a stroll for pure pleasure, the shore being 
 entirely composed of large round stones, often in- 
 creasing in size to boulders, but all of them painful 
 to walk upon. Byrd gave a glance at the tide ; she 
 saw that it was sluggishly lapping itself in and out 
 some way off, and then she began to walk slowly 
 along over the rough stones. There was the excite- 
 ment of getting further and further on and of passing 
 each new, small projecting cliff. The cliffs came 
 down very sheer to the boulders, but the promontories 
 seemed to be formed of huge masses of rock stretching 
 far out from the mainland. 
 
 Byrd enjoyed the wildness of this place. There 
 were no children playing about, no idlers, no lovers 
 — all was loneliness and stony desolation. 
 
 As she walked on she lost count of everything 
 except of the beauty and of the difficulty. She kept 
 a look-out for a path up the cliff, which she fancied 
 must surely be soon met with, but each new projection 
 
ON THE SHORE 41 
 
 which she rounded offered the same steep difficulties, 
 thickly-wooded far above her reach. She stopped at 
 last. The sea was coming in quickly, and she must 
 climb the cliff or return with all speed possible. She 
 made several useless attempts. The ground was wet 
 and slippery, or the soil too loose to allow her to find 
 a firm foothold. There was nothing to be done but 
 to return, and she began to retrace her steps. The 
 way was very painful, the great stones hurt her feet, 
 and she was afraid of spraining her ankles if she walked 
 too quickly. After what seemed to be a long time, 
 she found herself only half-way back to Sea water, and 
 the sea had crept up close to the next snake-like rocky 
 promontory. Byrd was no coward, but her heart beat 
 rather faster than usual when she saw her danger. 
 Happily the sea was calm ; only a sluggish edge of 
 foam was breaking against the rocks. She made a 
 dash for it, careless of wetting her sh6es, and holding" 
 up her skirts she half-waded, half-scrambled over this 
 barrier. But there was still a mile to walk, and Byrd 
 wondered if she could reach the next projection before 
 the tide had covered it altogether. Suddenly, half-way 
 between her and this next barrier, she saw the figure 
 of a man and a child. Her heart stopped beating. 
 She felt safer, though their backs were towards her, 
 and they could not see her. Still, the man did not 
 seem to be in the least afraid of the tide. What did 
 it mean? The tiny child with him could certainly 
 
42 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 not walk fast enough to be placed out of reach 
 of the water before the greater part of the shore 
 would be covered, and the way to Seawater entirely 
 cut off. 
 
 Byrd now hurried on as fast as she could go, but 
 she was not alone. If the water cut her off it would 
 also cut off these other two wanderers. She began to 
 hurry as much as possible so as to overtake them, 
 stepping quickly from one boulder to another until 
 she was within calling distance. Then she raised her 
 voice, and called out. Immediately the man turned 
 and paused, apparently much surprised at her appear- 
 ance. 
 
 Byrd saw him pick up the child and retrace his" steps 
 towards her. In a short time they could distinctly 
 see each other. Byrd's tall well-made figure, dressed 
 in her simple dress and jacket, her bright, honest 
 face and her brighter eyes became distinctly visible. 
 The very pose of her head had a freedom in it 
 which was all in accordance with the wildness of the 
 scene. Kilian raised his hat, but it was Byrd who 
 spoke first, and there was an infectious smile on her 
 face. 
 
 " I beg your pardon for calling to you, but I seem 
 to be rather in an awkward position. I could not find 
 a path up the cliffs, and I am a little late to pass the 
 last rocks into Seawater. Seeing you and your little 
 girl, I fancied that there could be no real danger, and 
 
ON THE SHORE 43 
 
 yet I don't see how we are, any of us, to get out of 
 this bay." 
 
 " Then you are a stranger here ? " said Kilian, 
 smiling in return for Byrd's smile. 
 
 " Yes ; this is my first walk on this shore." 
 
 " Ah ! Well, you should not be so imprudent. 
 You are too late to get back to Seawater, but don't 
 you see that place that looks like a lime-kiln ? That 
 is the way we came down ; you must return with us 
 that way.'' 
 
 " I never should have guessed that was a way up 
 the cliff. I suppose that it is a private path." 
 
 " Yes, and the gate is kept locked. I have the key. 
 Well, Daisy, you can walk again now." 
 
 He let the child down, and Byrd's quick glance 
 took him all in — the well-shaped forehead, the dark 
 eyes, the straight nose, and firm mouth. The man 
 before her was one whom all women would have 
 noticed. 
 
 " Dada ! " exclaimed Daisy, in a loud whisper, 
 " would the lady have been drowned ? " 
 
 " I hope not. It is not the highest tide just now. 
 I asked before coming down. It is as well not to 
 wander on this shore, for it is the loneliest place I 
 know." 
 
 " And I really wanted to see a few of my fellow-' 
 creatures," said Byrd, laughing happily ; all her fears 
 were gone. The presence of this man and his little 
 
44 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 girl made her feel so very safe. " We live upon an 
 upland farm, and there it is pure Nature quite unspoilt 
 by man, except, of course, the labourers, and my 
 father and brother." 
 
 " Do you mean the farm right away on the moors ? " 
 he asked. 
 
 " Yes ; ours is the first and the most lonely farm. 
 It is called Combeside. My father has lost all his 
 money, so his old friend, Sir David Tracey, has let 
 him farm this place." 
 
 Byrd told the history so simply and so directly 
 that Kilian saw at once with whom he had to deal. 
 There was no hidden depth in this character. She 
 was not another Dagmar, but she was certainly much 
 too refined to be living up on one of these lonely 
 farms. 
 
 "You have only lately come, I conclude? Have 
 you made friends with the Seawater people ? " 
 
 " It does not depend on us, of course, to make 
 friends, and I think now that we have been here a 
 fortnight, that they don't want to know us. Sir 
 David Tracey is a Liberal, and the Squire here a 
 violent Conservative." 
 
 "What nonsense!" said Kilian, turning his face 
 away a little. " Narrow prejudices seem to thrive 
 here." 
 
 Byrd laughed heartily. 
 
 " I did hope, for my mother's sake, that we should 
 
ON THE SHORE 45 
 
 have had some friendly neighbours, but for me it does 
 not much matter. We are poor, and it's no use crying 
 over spilt milk. I have had a good time up till now. 
 I was educated at a high school, and since I left 
 school I have had books and — I really have nothing 
 to complain of except that I am too much wanted at 
 home, and that is far better than not being wanted at 
 all." 
 
 Her bright face made Kilian believe this easily. 
 H,e looked at her without her noticing his glance, and 
 then he fell to wondering. He had not believed that 
 such a woman existed, a woman who found life worth 
 having when there was so little that was good in her 
 lot. 
 
 " You have nothing to complain of ? Then you are 
 a happy being." 
 
 " Yes — why not ? I have good health and plenty 
 of work, and then I have the power to enjoy all the 
 lovely things I see." 
 
 " Dada, stoop down ; I want to tell you a secret," 
 said Daisy, in another whisper. " Isn't she a pretty 
 lady ? " 
 
 Kilian Tresiddar laughed. ^ 
 
 " Daisy's admiration is very frank, you see. Mind 
 your footing, Daisy. Here we are." 
 
 They stepped under the arch, and, walking up 
 a very steep incline, soon found themselves in a 
 dark, underground passage, where only the glimmer 
 
46 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 from the further end shed a faint light on their 
 path. 
 
 At the end of the passage there was a gate, which 
 was locked. Kilian drew the key from his pocket, 
 and they went on climbing till they reached a platform 
 on which was placed a seat so that the dwellers at the 
 castle could sit and admire the view. Daisy bade 
 her father sit down. 
 
 " Dada, do stop here ; it's so pretty." 
 
 Byrd suddenly realised that she must be in the 
 castle grounds, though the building itself was not yet 
 visible. 
 
 " Oh, this must be the private grounds of this new 
 Countess." 
 
 She blushed, and all her face was beautified, whilst 
 her eyes smiled, half in fun and half from shyness. 
 
 "And if this is her domain, she will not hurt you." 
 
 " No, but — I am trespassing." 
 
 " I am her brother. I will answer for her." 
 
 Then Byrd looked up at him with a new interest. 
 She saw that his face was thin, his eyes deep-set, his 
 nose straight, his mouth firm and determined, but 
 partly hidden by his moustache and short beard. 
 Nearly all the expression of his face lay in his eyes. 
 Sometimes they looked rather fierce, but at other 
 times they appeared gentle and sympathetic. Byrd 
 also noticed his hands. They were full of character ; 
 his fingers were long, but there was firmness as well 
 
ON THE SHORE 47 
 
 as delicacy visible in their shape. They were hands 
 which a surgeon might have envied, very strong and 
 very sensitive. 
 
 "That is funny," said Byrd, laughing. 
 
 " Why is it funny ? " he said, rather sharply. 
 " Ladies use that word for everything, grave and gay." 
 
 Byrd laughed again. 
 
 "We certainly do not choose our language well, 
 but I do think that it is odd I should meet you this 
 afternoon when this very morning I heard my father 
 discuss whether the Countess would take our milk 
 and butter." 
 
 Kilian Tresiddar smiled, too, now. 
 
 " Do you think that also depends on politics in this 
 out-of-the-way place? " 
 
 " I'm sure it does," answered Byrd. " The Squire 
 would eat nothing that came from one of Sir David 
 Tracey's farms." 
 
 " It's time a Httle outside life did come in here." 
 
 " They won't think so ! This is an old-fashioned 
 place, and we must make the best of it." 
 
 " I am sure my sister will patronise the opposition 
 farm, then," said Kilian, now laughing heartily. 
 " May I come and see your father ? " 
 
 " Indeed it would be very kind if you would. My 
 brother, Grant, is a cripple, but he loves books and 
 likes to talk to any one who will sympathise with 
 him." 
 
48 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 " And you, don't you care about reading ? " 
 
 " Indeed I do, but I have so little time to do any- 
 thing for myself. When winter comes then I shall 
 read, if by that time I have not forgotten my letters." 
 
 " In winter it will be a lonely life for you," he said, 
 half to himself 
 
 " Yes, I sometimes wonder how long I shall remain 
 satisfied ! I used to dream of travelling and seeing 
 the world, and of doing — oh, doing so much ; and yet 
 my life seems settling down into quite a different 
 groove." 
 
 They had gone on, and now they reached the 
 highest part of the cliff, where the path divided. One 
 fork joined the carriage-drive leading up to the castle, 
 and the other led to a small gate which opened out 
 upon the public footpath. 
 
 " I must go," said Byrd. " I think this path will 
 take me home. I have still two miles to walk." 
 
 She stooped down and kissed Daisy. 
 
 " Don't go," said Daisy. " Dada, tell the lady not 
 to go." 
 
 Kilian Tresiddar looked at Byrd for a moment, and 
 he, too, was able to take in her general appearance. 
 There was no lack of strength or capability, but there 
 was also the look of singleness of purpose about her. 
 Woman's best gift of innocence was written very 
 plainly on her forehead and over all her expressive 
 face. Life's east wind had never blighted her fresh 
 
ON THE SHORE 49 
 
 blossoms. To her everything appeared good and 
 beautiful. When she was gone Kilian Tresiddar stood 
 by the gate plunged in deep thought. Daisy ran 
 hither and thither picking up ferns. Now and then 
 she called to her "dada" to come and help her, but he 
 stood quite motionless and took no notice of her. 
 Even when he at last began walking home, he hardly 
 answered her many questions, so with a child's 
 resignation she talked to herself. 
 
CHAPTER V 
 
 A CHILD BETWEEN THEM 
 
 The next day Dagmar rose early and went out 
 
 before the servarits were about. It was a beautiful 
 
 late spring day. The young oaks were dressed in a 
 
 gorgeous garment of yellow-brown. The ferns were 
 
 slowly unfolding many of their croziers. The castle 
 
 was so much surrounded by its own woods that there 
 
 was no fear of meeting any strangers, so the Countess 
 
 plunged into a side -walk which led her upwards 
 
 towards the brow of the hill. Everywhere there was 
 
 beauty and silence. At last she found a seat and sat 
 
 down to look back over the sea. Sea and sky and 
 
 trees, that was all she could see, but as she sat there 
 
 with her dark-grey eyes shaded by slightly frowning 
 
 brows, her nervous hands clasped tightly over her 
 
 knees, she wondered, now that she was here, what 
 
 would come next. Her life seemed ended. Her 
 
 husband had been her jailer, and her child's death 
 
 had broken her heart. She had no one left now to 
 
 care for, no one but Kilian. She loved him dearly, 
 
 but she did not altogether approve of his doings. 
 
 (50) 
 
A CHILD BETWEEN THEM 51 
 
 She and Kilian before now had quarrelled and made 
 it up again. He was so strong, so really fond of her, 
 that somehow she could not help leaning on him 
 when she was in trouble. At his first appearance she 
 had been annoyed with him for coming to break in 
 upon her solitude. She had wanted to be quite 
 alone, but he had come to disturb her sad thoughts. 
 Suddenly Dagmar's face, looking like some ancient 
 Norse saga maiden brooding over the mystery of wild 
 life, was lighted by a gleam of new thought. 
 
 " Why did he bring that child here ? " she said 
 aloud. " He had no right to do it. Why did he dare 
 remind me of my sorrow ? My child was not like this 
 one. Oh, Nettie, Nettie, come back to me, if only 
 for one day ! I want to feel your little arms round 
 my neck. Come back, if only for one hour." 
 
 The woods were silent save for the rustle of the 
 leaves. A squirrel dashed up a fir trunk, and a black- 
 bird sang lustily near to her. The sea in the dis- 
 tance was as calm as it was possible to be. Peace 
 was everywhere except in this rich woman's heart. 
 
 She started up. 
 
 " Why should I be always sad ? I must live ; I am 
 young. I must have some happiness still. I will 
 fill this house with people ; I will force myself to 
 enjoy life ; that will make me forget Nettie. I want 
 to forget, and I must forget, never mind by what 
 means." 
 
52 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 Then she thought of the joyous life she had led 
 before her child was killed. She would begin again ; 
 brooding over her sorrow did no good. She had 
 originally married so as to have pleasure in life, and 
 hardly had she raised the beverage to her lips than it 
 had evaporated. She would live for enjoyment; that 
 object must, at least, be capable of realisation, for, as 
 she was rich, she could collect others round her who 
 also wished for enjoyment, without, perhaps, having 
 the power to get it. She would offer to share it with 
 them. She would live for happiness. She had some 
 gifts, and she now recalled the men she had met at 
 Nice who had made love to her. She had received 
 three professions of eternal devotion, but not one of 
 the men had been able to call forth her love in return. 
 She was too much afraid of again becoming the slave 
 of a jealous or irritable man to let herself be again 
 easily deceived. She had never truly loved any one 
 but her Nettie, and Nettie was taken from her. She 
 could not be resigned, and she could not pray, for her 
 religion was, and always had been, superficial. If 
 her Nettie had lived, her life would have been full 
 enough, full to the brim, for Dagmar had the mother 
 feeling very strongly developed, perhaps because she 
 had never cared for her husband. Her beauty seemed 
 a power that was being wasted in this castle by the 
 sea. What had made her come here? Why had 
 Kilian come to her? 
 
A CHILD BETWEEN THEM 53 
 
 She got up suddenly and began walking down the 
 path, impatiently striking the nodding ferns in her 
 way, and wondering what would come next. The 
 weariness of the world seemed too much for this 
 woman with no object in life. 
 
 Suddenly Kilian stood before her. She thought : 
 " How handsome he is ! Some day he will find it 
 out, perhaps, that " 
 
 " Why did you go out so early ? " he asked. " Let 
 us sit down and talk a moment." 
 
 There was a seat overlooking the cliff, and she sat 
 down obediently. 
 
 "What are you going to do here? Shall I come 
 and live with you ? You will be bored to death, I 
 know you better than you know yourself." 
 
 She was a little indignant at his tone. 
 
 "Why should I be bored? I hate everybody and 
 everything that reminds me of her ; but here no one 
 does except " 
 
 " Poor little Nettie ! " 
 
 " Yes ; I have never cared for any one but her, and 
 I think you need not -" 
 
 " Have brought Daisy ! I see how you look at 
 her." 
 
 "Yes; I hate Daisy." 
 
 " You would rather we went away ? " 
 
 " No, I should like you to stay if you will send 
 that child away." 
 
54. SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 •' If you have me you must put up with Daisy." 
 
 " I don't believe you love her. Send her to school, 
 anywhere ; heaps of people will take her. I will pay 
 all her expenses if you think you can't afford it.'' 
 
 " No, I shall keep Daisy with me, Dagmar. You 
 can choose." 
 
 Dagmar rose immediately and walked in silence 
 towards the castle. Kilian followed behind her. At 
 this moment Daisy herself flew down the steps of the 
 front door, calling out : " Papa ! papa ! " 
 
 Her seven years were all on the alert in this 
 lovely place. Flowers and ferns called her, but most 
 of all the thought of her father filled her whole little 
 soul, 
 
 " Yes," he called out ; " come here, Daisy." 
 
 Suddenly Daisy saw Dagmar and paused. Daisy 
 knew already that this queen-like individual did not 
 like her. With an evident effort she rushed past her 
 to greet her father. 
 
 "Dads, I'm so hungry." 
 
 " Is that all ! Well, come along. Breakfast is 
 ready." 
 
 Dagmar turned round. 
 
 " I am inhospitable, I fear. It is long after break- 
 fast time." 
 
 Daisy sat close to her father, and her conversation 
 was carried on in a low monologue which seemed to 
 satisfy her entirely. 
 
A CHILD BETWEEN THEM 55 
 
 " I shall go and pick flowers with dada after break- 
 fast, and I shall walk on the shore where the stones 
 hurt my feet. I want to see the pretty lady who 
 kissed me. My doll isn't dressed yet. Dads, Rosa- 
 bella is in bed still. She's very, very lazy." 
 
 "There, run off, dear, and dress her. Will you 
 come and take a walk with me to Combeside farm, 
 Dagmar, this afternoon ? There is a decayed gentle- 
 man farmer settled there, and he is ostracised by 
 the Squire of Seawater. It is a case of opposite 
 politics.'' 
 
 Dagmar shook her head. 
 
 "We shall have nothing in common, Kilian ; be- 
 sides, I have made up my mind to invite a shipload 
 of Nice people, so I will wait for them." 
 
 " Indeed ! You will shock the Squire and his rela- 
 tions." Kilian laughed. 
 
 " What do I care — stupid country people ! I'll try 
 what living at high pressure will do for me." 
 
 " It will do nothing." 
 
 " You don't understand a woman, least of all your 
 sister." 
 
 " But I shall not be here to understand you, 
 Dagmar." 
 
 "Why not?" 
 
 " Because of — Daisy." 
 
 Dagmar gave an impatient shrug of her shoulders, 
 
 " That child again ! Kilian, how can you make 
 
56 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 yourself a martyr to the idea ? It is ridiculous. It 
 is all nonsense." 
 
 Kilian said nothing, and Dagmar continued : — 
 
 " Well, then, stay and keep her, though" I can't bear 
 the sight of her." 
 
 " Poor little Daisy ! " 
 
 " I don't believe you like her either." 
 
 Daisy's return interrupted the conversation. 
 
 " Dads, may I come to the pretty lady's hortie to- 
 day?" 
 
 " Yes, only until then you must be good, and amuse 
 yourself alone." 
 
 Daisy was quite accustomed to amusing herself 
 alone. She had a whole world of imaginary com- 
 panions to play with, and she could talk to her dolly, 
 whom she idolised. Her father was her all, but he 
 did not often enter into her ideas, because, of course, 
 he was " grown up ". 
 
 Dagmar retired to her own sitting-room after a 
 brief interview with her housekeeper. Then she sat 
 down and wrote letters of invitation to some half- 
 dozen acquaintances, whose very presence meant of 
 ^ necessity a life of pleasure. She sent these off with a 
 sigh of relief Evidently, solitude would not drive 
 out the remembrance of Nettie, so she might as well 
 try excitement. Some remedy she must find. 
 
 Nature was very quiet in the woods this afternoon. 
 The air was rather heavy, and great white-flecked 
 
A CHILD BETWEEN THEM 57 
 
 clouds were forming themselves above the horizon as 
 Kilian and his sister started for their walk to Combe- 
 side farm. The castle had a private walk on the 
 opposite side of the stream to that of the public, so 
 that here they were certain to meet no one. The 
 wooded walk ended only when the upland meadows 
 were reached, and there was only a quarter of a mile 
 farther to the farm. Daisy ran on, amusing herself in 
 her own way, not often daring to come back to her 
 father now that she was not alone with him. 
 
 Dagmar slipped her hand into Kilian's arm and 
 felt happier. 
 
 " This is certainly an enchanting place, Kilian. I 
 am not sorry that I came, even if it does not have the 
 desired effect." 
 
 " We have both been failures," he said after a pause. 
 
 "Not outwardly, anyhow," she said laughing a 
 little. " I have had what money can give me, and 
 you have made a name for yourself." 
 
 " I am considered a good master." 
 
 " You have ruined your life for a mere empty ideal." 
 
 " And you because you would not believe in one." 
 
 " Kilian, there is no such thing. We are poor or 
 rich. The poor toil and scrape ; the rich, at all 
 events, enjoy immunity from sordid care, but they 
 often shipwreck on the rock of love. They think 
 that love can very easily be found, and then they dis- 
 cover that it is a very late blossom." 
 
58 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 "There may be a path between the two — the 
 happy mean." 
 
 " Freedom is the only thing worth having. How 
 is one to get it?" 
 
 " Riches prevent freedom. The very fact of your 
 being rich makes you dependent on others. I, who 
 have only a competency, have fewer bonds. But I 
 want you to tell me what you read in this girl's face. 
 She is poor, she makes butter and reads Browning, 
 but she seems to me to be free." 
 
 " Girls are so much alike," said Dagmar impa- 
 tiently; "they are insipid — 'fade,' the French call 
 it — they believe in the future, and that in itself is 
 annoying to a woman who knows the future has 
 nothing to give." Dagmar gave an impatient shrug 
 of her shoulders. 
 
 "If you had ever loved, Dagmar ! " 
 
 " Neither have you loved. It is the pot calling the 
 kettle black." 
 
 " There is the farm. Look, how beautifully it 
 stands on that steep knoll, and .then beyond one sees 
 those great moors covered with that rich heather." 
 
 " And look at the purple shadows," said Dagmar 
 raising her head. "Yes, this is a lovely spot, but 
 oh, how lonely ! Your butter-making girl must have 
 a mind easily satisfied if this can give her happi- 
 ness ! " 
 
 " I expect — I hope-^she believes in a future." 
 
A CHILD BETWEEN THEM 59 
 
 At that moment Byrd's sweet voice was heard 
 from the wooden balcony : — 
 
 Roses white and red, 
 White and red I cry, 
 Pretty maidens, 
 Come and buy, come, oh, come and buy, 
 Come and buy my roses. 
 
 Kilian turned to his sister with a smile on his lips. 
 " Isn't it a pure, sweet voice ? Don't put on your 
 proud look, Dagmar, but come and buy her roses." 
 "As if she had any to sell!" answered the Countess. 
 
CHAPTER VI 
 
 THE FIRST VISITORS 
 
 It was natural that Byrd should think a good deal 
 
 about the stranger she had met ; but though his face 
 
 had impressed itself on her imagination, it was the 
 
 clinging ways of the little girl which first made her 
 
 begin wondering about him. He must be a widower, 
 
 and evidently he was. wrapped up in the child. What 
 
 a well-cut, thoughtful face he had ; and his manners 
 
 were so easy and so courteous that Byrd at once felt 
 
 that he was not exactly like all the men she had 
 
 previously met. But she suddenly blamed herself 
 
 for letting her thoughts dwell on the pair. He was 
 
 brother to the Countess, and strange whispers were 
 
 being circulated about her — whispers which began 
 
 with Miss Dora and Miss Dulcie Jeff, and filtered 
 
 down to Mr. Chegwidden. Byrd did not wish to be 
 
 rich or notorious ; her ambition lay in quite another 
 
 direction. It was her present duty to like this farm 
 
 life and the butter-making. Grant must be seen after, 
 
 and her mother's many objections to life must be 
 
 listened to. It was her duty, and that word was 
 
 (60) 
 
THE FIRST VISITORS 6l 
 
 powerful with Byrd. The personal ambition of wish- 
 ing to do and to be something must be smothered. 
 Love and self-sacrifice ; Byrd had meant to start her 
 life journey with these two words impressed on her 
 mindy and at present her good intentions had been 
 made necessary virtues. Her home people could not 
 do without her. She must live in this lonely spot, 
 far, very far, from all the exciting life of her fellow- 
 creatures. Now and then, however, she was conscious 
 of a terrible spiritual blank. Must this daily drudgery 
 go on always — always ? Of what real use was she ? 
 Some one else could as easily fulfil her dull duties. 
 None of them were heroic. 
 
 This morning, however, her voice sounded sweeter 
 and clearer, because, as she offered the roses for sale, 
 she remembered that perhaps the stranger jnight 
 come and buy them. But, then, perhaps he might 
 not reappear ; he might be only a bird of passage, 
 giving her just one note of sympathy, and then off to 
 other climes. She was very grateful even for that 
 note. 
 
 All at once the dogs barked, and Patty called her 
 downstairs, being too unsophisticated to be cere- 
 monious. 
 
 " Hi ! Miss Byrd ! somebody's coming. If you 
 rin down you'll make en plain to missus. Her is as 
 deeve as a haddock when I spake." 
 
 Byrd laughed aloud, but ran downstairs. She had 
 
62 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 not herself seen any one coming, but the dogs were 
 barking — a sure sign of the approach of strangers. 
 She had been reading up in the balcony, and then 
 the wish to sing out some of the beauty around her 
 had taken her, and she had sung her favourite little 
 refrain. Anyhow, somebody had come to buy her 
 flowers. 
 
 " Patty, is my hair tidy?" she said when she reached 
 the foot of the stairs. 
 
 " No, zure, Miss Byrd, it's not stick down slick ; 
 zure you didn't think so, did'e?" 
 
 " It can't be helped, so there," and remembering 
 her mother would be expecting her, Byrd stepped 
 into the parlour just as a flash of golden light entered 
 through an open door. 
 
 It was the stranger, and oh ! such a beautiful 
 woman was sitting beside him. They were alone, 
 her mother being in the garden, and Patty was at 
 this moment heard calling her mistress. Daisy ran 
 up to her before Kilian could finish an introduction. 
 
 " I wanted to know that you were none the worse 
 for your adventure. Miss Leworthy," he said. " My 
 sister, the Countess von Wurm, has been enjoying 
 the lovely walk up to this house." 
 
 Byrd held out her hand ; her eyes expressed their 
 admiration, little guessing that something in her — 
 some purity and visible freshness of mind — some 
 noble, if undeveloped enthusiasm, made her, for those 
 
THE FIRST VISITORS 63 
 
 who had eyes to see, a far more beautiful picture than 
 the beautiful Dagmar. 
 
 Byrd did not feel shy — she was never shy, being too 
 simple to think much of her position. Poverty was 
 an accident — an accident which had changed her life 
 entirely, and which made her mother unhappy, that 
 was the pity of it — but otherwise she was not changed. 
 
 " It is very kind of you to come and inquire about 
 me," she said to Mr. Tresiddar, "but please don't 
 mention it to my mother. She is rather nervous, 
 and I must walk about alone, or I should be a real 
 prisoner. My brother cannot go far ! " 
 
 " How very dull you will be here in the winter ! " 
 said Dagmar, unable to repress her surprise at the 
 sight of this girl, whose personality so plainly showed 
 that she was far above the ordinary type of insipid 
 girls Dagmar despised. 
 
 " Oh, there is the country, the woods and the 
 moors — in fact, a thousand things. Our own little 
 combe is delightful, but, anyhow, it is spring now, 
 and it is lovely." 
 
 " I ought to have come here," said the Countess, 
 looking round the old-fashioned room. " You are 
 really at home." 
 
 Byrd laughed again. 
 
 " Don't try it after the castle, that looks more 
 charming ; besides, I hear you have closed it against 
 all strangers." 
 
64 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 " Against those stupid village magnates. By the 
 way, I have heard to-day that I am to be ostracised," 
 and Dagmar laughed heartily, whilst Bryd thought 
 her the most fascinating woman she had ever seen. 
 
 " That is odd ! We are also to be placed outside 
 the pale because of father's politics. This farm be- 
 longs to Sir David Tracey, and all the village is 
 owned by his sworn enemy, Squire Hammond." 
 
 " How foolish ! " answered Dagmar. " My sins are 
 that I have a foreign name and that I have been a 
 winter at Nice." 
 
 "If we invade this out-of-the-way corner we must 
 suffer for it," answered Byrd, "but in time all pre- 
 judices will be conquered ; don't you think so?" 
 
 She raised her eyes to Dagmar's face, and Byrd's 
 first great fascination began. At this moment Mrs. 
 Leworthy came in, and Grant also entered on his 
 crutches. He looked for one instant at the Countess, 
 and then sat down as far from her as possible. 
 
 Daisy had climbed on to Byrd's knees, and the girl 
 gathered the child close to her. STie had always 
 loved young things, and this lonely spot seemed to 
 make them dearer to her. Mrs. Leworthy had 
 already begun to bemoan herself, and Kilian turned 
 to Byrd. 
 
 " You must come to the castle when you are dull. 
 My sister is very lonely, and companionship is better 
 for her than silently brooding over her trouble," 
 
THE FIRST VISITORS 65 
 
 " She has had troubles ? I am sorry," said Byrd 
 simply. 
 
 "She lost her only child, a child she idolised." 
 
 " And one doesn't know how to comfort such sor- 
 row," said Byrd, half to herself. " Oh, you would 
 know because of your little girl." 
 
 Kilian w^as silent a moment, and then he said : — 
 
 " I see that you have books here, and they are good 
 friends." 
 
 " We could not sell them for anything worth the 
 having, so Grant and I persuaded my father to bring 
 them. My brother loves reading, and he can do so 
 little else. He is not strong enough to undertake any 
 real work." 
 
 " And you are the pivot on which all these turn ? " 
 Kilian spoke dreamily. 
 
 " Oh, no. I do my best ; you see, I am strong. I 
 wanted to learn more, and to go to college, and to be 
 something — a lady doctor or a nurse — but you see 
 it is impossible. I shall be very happy; at least I 
 think so." 
 
 "Will you come and play with me?" said Daisy 
 softly. " I've nobody to play with except Rosa- 
 bella." 
 
 Byrd felt her heart go out towards the motherless 
 child. 
 
 "That is just what I was saying, Daisy. I have 
 not even a Rosabella to play with;" and then she 
 
m SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 laughed with her clear, merry laugh, that came out 
 of the simple child-heart she had. 
 
 Kilian looked at her when she was bending over 
 Daisy, and a mist seemed to come over his eyes. 
 Byrd was a revelation to a man who had knocked 
 about the world, and who had seen life under many 
 aspects. 
 
 " You really care about Nature ? Sometimes I think 
 that people pretend to care." 
 
 " I do love it. I seem to become part of it. I can't 
 explain it ; but don't you sometimes think that 
 Nature calls you softly and asks you to come and 
 play with her ? " 
 
 " Sometimes she calls you to give up all struggle." 
 
 " I have fighting instincts. For instance, I don't 
 want to think that I shall rust here, or that I shall 
 lose all my ambition." 
 
 " You are brave." 
 
 " Am I ? No, it is only the idea of self-preserva- 
 tion. We were ruined by misfortunes which could 
 not be helped, and now we are glad enough to rest 
 here. My father is inclined to despair at times, but I 
 think that is because he is getting old. Grant takes 
 after him." 
 
 " You think that despair is cowardly ? " 
 
 " Yes, very cowardly." 
 
 "You are still very young," and Kilian smiled so 
 pleasantly that the sting of the words was not felt. 
 
THE FIRST VISITORS 67 
 
 " I must be young for many years to come, I must." 
 She seemed to be answering some other suggestions 
 which spoke of despair. 
 
 Kilian touched a book on the table, and looked at 
 the title. It way Byron's Childe Harolds Pilgrimage. 
 
 " Do you like this ? " he asked. 
 
 " Yes, I love poetry, and Byron often seems to me 
 a true poet." 
 
 " The egoist. Listen to this : — 
 
 " But ever and anon of griefs subdued 
 There comes a token like a scorpion's sting, 
 Scarce seen but with fresh bitterness imbued ; 
 And slight \vithal may be the things which bring 
 Back on the heart the weight which it would fling 
 Aside for ever ". 
 
 " But it is true," said Byrd. 
 
 " Not for you, and a poet should write for every- 
 body. B3n-on was always introspective." 
 
 " But everybody is introspective, don't you think? " 
 and Byrd's eyes suddenly looked grave. 
 
 " ' O, Lady ! we receive but what we give,' " quoted 
 Kilian, and then the conversation became general, 
 Mrs. Leworthy's complaints rising above all con- 
 versation. 
 
 " Nobody calls on us here." 
 
 " We don't want any one," said Grant suddenly. 
 
 " We shall become like people in the backwoods," 
 sighed Mrs. Leworthy, " and poor Byrd will have no 
 youth." 
 
68 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 The Countess rose, and her smiles seemed to make 
 the place bright as she held out her hand to Byrd. 
 
 " Come and see me when you like," she said. 
 
 " When I can that will be, not when I like." 
 
 When they were gone, the Leworthys made their 
 comments. 
 
 "She is beautiful and charming," exclaimed Byrd 
 enthusiastically. 
 
 " Why does she come and bury herself here ? " said 
 Grant wonderingly. 
 
 " It is a piece of good luck for you, I am sure, Byrd," 
 said her mother. " She is not at all proud, and does 
 not mind our being poor." 
 
 "Why should she?" answered Byrd, with just a 
 little. touch of pride in her tone. " Father is " 
 
 " Oh, I mean that rich people usually think so much 
 of their money." 
 
 " I don't think her brother is rich. But wh^t a 
 darling that child is ! " 
 
 "He is clever, anyhow," said Grant, with a little 
 sigh. 
 
 " I wish your father had been here," said Mrs. 
 Leworthy, who was glad to find something that was 
 wrong about the visit. 
 
 Dagmar and her brother had a beautiful walk home, 
 and little Daisy ran on in front of them with quite a 
 new look of happiness on her face. She had sat on 
 the pretty lady's lap, and she had been kissed by her. 
 
THE FIRST VISITORS 69 
 
 " That Miss Leworthy has a sweet, good face," said 
 Dagmar. 
 
 " Yes. It reminds me of a dream face. She is so 
 unlike the ordinary young lady one meets." 
 
 " One could find rest in tallying to her," said 
 Dagmar. 
 
 Kilian said no more about Byrd, but as he sat with 
 his sister that evening he thought about her, and 
 wondered when he should see her again, for before he 
 had hoped that the acquaintance might end with that 
 one visit, and with the remembrance of the balcony 
 overhung with roses, and from which came a sweet, 
 clear voice. 
 
CHAPTER VII 
 
 A NEW HORIZON 
 
 The next morning, when she awoke, Dagmar felt rest- 
 less. She could not help thinking of the invitations 
 which she had sent off. They meant more than ap- 
 peared on the face of it, and this she realised. But she 
 comforted herself with the fact that Kilian would be with 
 her, and she leant upon him without appearing to do so. 
 When her brother came downstairs Daisy was clinging 
 to him. The child was wrapped up in her father. 
 
 " I must go to town to-day, Dagmar, on business. 
 I can't get back till to-morrow. What shall I do 
 about Daisy? " 
 
 " Take me with you, dads," whispered the child. 
 
 "Oh, my maid Veal will look after her," said 
 Dagmar carelessly. 
 
 "Can that fashionable lady be trusted? " 
 
 " Of course," was the impatient answer. " Don't 
 hurry home ; I like solitude." 
 
 Kilian smiled. The expression of his face seemed 
 
 changed. Such a new happiness had come into it 
 
 that his sister was struck. 
 
 (70) 
 
A NEW HORIZON 71 
 
 " Is your business important ? " she asked suddenly. 
 
 "Yes," he said " I must go." 
 
 When Dagmar was left alone, Daisy being hidden 
 away in the lady's-maid's sitting-room, she sat by the 
 drawing-room window and gazed at the distant sea. 
 It was very calm to-day ; the damp mist hung over it, 
 covering everything with a soft, grey veil. Life was 
 like that to her now ; it was a soft, uninteresting grey 
 everywhere. But by the afternoon the black cloud 
 had once more descended, the gnawing pain had re- 
 turned, that terrible longing for her dead child which 
 could not be appeased. Suddenly her mind reverted 
 to the peaceful farm, especially to Byrd's sweet face, 
 so free from all signs of sin and sorrow. Then her 
 conscience smote her a little about Daisy, though 
 she could not bear the sight of her, and she rang to 
 tell her maid that she would take Miss Daisy for a 
 walk. 
 
 When Daisy appeared, ready dressed, she looked 
 very demure. She was afraid of Dagmar, and her 
 little lonely soul craved for the presence of her father. 
 
 " You will like to come with me to see that pretty 
 lady, won't you, Daisy? " 
 
 Daisy said " Yes," that was all. Once out, however, 
 she ran on in front to play with all the flowers, and to 
 imbibe silent wisdom from Nature. She did not like 
 walking with Dagmar at all ; there was no link be- 
 tween them. , 
 
72 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 " Ah, that child ! " thought Dagmar ; " but for her 
 Kilian might be happy. He is a fool." 
 
 The glen looked lovely even when enveloped with 
 the grey, misty atmosphere. The ferns bending over 
 the stream were covered with moisture, and the 
 grasses retained tiny diamonds at all their tapering 
 points, but the brown oaks could not look entirely 
 grey, for they retained the sunlight in the colour of 
 their leaves, that joy of spring which no mist could 
 entirely take away. Dagmar had the soul of an artist, 
 that impulsive spirit which is unstable, never sure of 
 itself or of others, moulded by impressions from with- 
 out, not from within. 
 
 When she had reached the top of the glen, she 
 walked round the farm, and found herself opposite 
 Byrd's balcony. She paused, for she could see her 
 lithe figure standing on a chair, nailing up a long rose- 
 climber whose support had given way. How graceful 
 she was, and the sheen of her golden-brown hair was 
 like the joy of the oak-leaves ! The sight of the girl's 
 occupation brought back a feeling of rest to Dagmar. 
 
 "She knows nothing of life — of real life," she said 
 to herself. " She can live here and nail up roses. I 
 should die of it in a week. Evidently, we are not 
 made of the same stuff." 
 
 Daisy pulled her dress. 
 
 "Look," she said, pointing to Byrd. "Isn't she 
 pretty?" Dagmar was momentarily jealous. Sh? 
 
A NEW HORIZON 73 
 
 knew that Byrd's beauty was not to be even weighed 
 in the same balance as her own. No rich man had 
 fallen in love with this girl at first sight, but certainly 
 there was something very attractive about her. " She 
 has not lived — she is ignorant of life, but, for a change, 
 that is rather refreshing ! " she said to herself. 
 
 " I see her, Daisy. Climb up that steep bank, and 
 bring the pretty lady here. I will wait on this bridge." 
 
 The delighted Daisy ran off, and Dagmar sat down 
 on the rustic bridge, and looked at the swift stream 
 dancing over grey boulders, or else running silently 
 in golden shallows. For three consecutive minutes 
 she wished her life were smooth and still and golden, 
 and then came a quick reaction. The smooth life 
 would not be able to make her forget her little Nettie, 
 The other might. She was glad that she had sent 
 her invitations. Suddenly Byrd stood before her, 
 holding Daisy's hand in hers. 
 
 " How do you do, Miss Leworthy ? I want to ask 
 a favour of you. Come back with me and stay the 
 night whilst my brother is away. I am so lonely." 
 
 Byrd, opening her large innocent eyes, looked up 
 at the Countess. 
 
 " But " 
 
 " Well, for Daisy's sake — she is lost without her 
 father." 
 
 Byrd felt a sudden wave of warm affection for the 
 beautiful woman who looked so very unhappy. Her 
 
74 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 own friend Erla was of another type. Dagmar, with- 
 out knowing it, had touched the one chord which 
 always responded. Byrd was wanted. She looked 
 up, and she was again struck with the beauty of the 
 Countess. Her exquisite complexion, her dark, 
 waving hair, her deep-set dark eyes, flashing in re- 
 sponse to her changing moods, her mobile mouth and 
 her beautiful, square, firm chin, all made up a fasci- 
 nating picture. Byrd fell in love. It was the unselfish 
 love of a pure soul who does not count the cost of 
 that which she is going to buy. 
 
 " Indeed, Countess von Wurm, I must see if I can 
 be spared. Let me see, I have made the butter which 
 you will eat this evening!" Byrd laughed. She was 
 quite above all idea of false pride. 
 
 " Who should taste it but you ? Come ! " 
 
 Dagmar felt the girl's superiority, for she herself 
 had always tried to hide the struggling poverty of her 
 girlhood. 
 
 " You'll see Rosabella," urged Daisy. 
 
 " But I did not want solace during this lovely spring 
 weather. Don't you like this grey mist? I do." 
 
 " No, it is dull. It makes me Do come." 
 
 Byrd ran to tell her mother of the invitation. Her 
 father was out, and Grant was reading in his room. 
 
 " Do go, dear ; I'm sure it may be the only pleasure 
 you will ever get in this dull place." 
 
 Byrd thought of the beautiful face, and the fagcj- 
 
A NEW HORIZON 75 
 
 nation of it won the day ; but as she was putting a 
 few things together, she thought : — 
 
 " Am I right ? Will it be duller here afterwards ? 
 Had I better not sell my roses, but just keep them 
 and let them wither unseen ? " 
 
 But then Daisy's voice rang out : — 
 
 " Miss Byrd, my Miss Byrd, do come quick — quick !" 
 
 So Byrd came, opening herself the door which led 
 to the mysterious future of her fate. Do we rough- 
 hew our lives ? She did not pause to ask this question. 
 She had wanted to live a larger life, and had thought 
 that here it was impossible. At all events, the mono- 
 tony of her present existence would be broken. 
 When the young blood flows quickly and possibilities 
 seem boundless, it is then that dread monotony 
 appears to be life's greatest evil. Byrd was young, 
 and before the castle was reached the fascination 
 exercised by Dagmar was complete. 
 
 For the moment Dagmar herself was satisfied. 
 She had found a sympathetic listener to whom she 
 could speak about Nettie. 
 
 Byrd's heart was ready to give sympathy. Such a 
 sorrow appeared to her terrible enough to account for 
 any rebellious murmurs. If she ever had a child her- 
 self, she, too, would love it passionately. 
 
 But Daisy was not going to be done out of her 
 rights. Miss Byrd was her first friend, and she nestled 
 close beside her, feeling safe and protected. 
 
76 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 The grey day cleared up and became a beautiful 
 evening. Right over the western horizon there were 
 long, low, golden and red bars, forming stairs of glory 
 for the setting sun. The islands in the Channel 
 caught the gleams, and the sea upon the horizon re- 
 flected the light. 
 
 Dagmar rose quickly from her seat by the window 
 to look at it. She had told Byrd her history. The 
 autobiographer was not quite fair to any but herself, 
 but all err in this way. Then she exclaimed : — 
 
 " Look, Miss Leworthy, my life, until now, has been 
 all grey ; will there ever come a streak of light in it ? " 
 
 "Yes, yes, of course there will. If only I might 
 help to bring it to you ! " 
 
 " Our souls are in sympathy," said Dagmar. " You, 
 at least, understand about my child. A man cannot 
 do it. My brother Kilian, for instance, is spoiling his 
 life by erroneous ideas of duty. " 
 
 She broke off, for Daisy just then ran into the room. 
 
 " Come and walk on the shore by the kiln again, 
 my Miss Byrd." 
 
 Byrd looked at Dagmar. 
 
 " May I take the child for a walk ? " 
 
 " Oh, yes, I will come, too." Then she added, in a 
 low voice : " Don't think hardly of me when I tell 
 you that I can't bear the sight of children, especially 
 of this child". 
 
 "Yes, I do understand," said Byrd, filled with 
 
A NEW HORIZON 77 
 
 sympathy for the new frierld whom she had found in 
 this wild place. She had expected to be buried alive 
 when she realised that the inhabitants would have 
 nothing to do with her. The Countess stooped down 
 and kissed Byrd's white forehead. Daisy was happy 
 running on in front skipping, going down, down, 
 towards the shore. She felt safe, for her Miss Byrd 
 was there. 
 
 " Strange that so short a time ago I was so lonely, 
 
 and now Do you really mean you can like me ? " 
 
 asked Byrd. 
 
 " Silly child, of course I mean it. You are like one 
 of your own roses. Do you remember asking the 
 passers-by to come and buy them ? One, at least, has 
 accepted the offer." 
 
 " I want to give them to you." 
 
 " Where shall we finish our walk ? " said the 
 Countess, when they reached the stream. 
 
 " Let us go on the pier," said Byrd. " I like seeing 
 the fisher-folk loitering about ; and some of the little 
 fishing-boats will be coming in." 
 
 " I don't understand the poor. I hate poverty, and 
 yet I don't know how to enjoy riches," said Dagmar, 
 as if talking to herself. 
 
 Byrd laughed. 
 
 " I have not to perplex myself with that difficulty ; 
 I only want my fellow-creatures." 
 
 " And I want you, so that is perfect." 
 
78 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 They ascended the steps of the little pier. The 
 sea was washing in over the shore of boulders, a few 
 gulls were hovering about, darting at the waves in 
 search of small fish. Some idle fi.sher-folk lolled 
 against the sea-wall, and Daisy ran about in ecstatic 
 delight. 
 
 Suddenly there was a cry ; the child had fallen 
 back from the unparapetted pier among the great 
 boulders. Byrd flew down to her help. To her 
 horror she saw a deep gash across Daisy's forehead, 
 the eye having only just escaped. Byrd closed the 
 wound with her deft fingers, and called out to a 
 lad:— 
 
 "Run for the doctor ". 
 
 " I'll rin, ma'am," and off he went. 
 
 A woman came out of a cottage and offered assist- 
 ance, and some men gathered round her, and then 
 Dagmar reached the spot. Her face was pale, for she 
 hated the sight of suffering. 
 
 Nettie had been killed by a fall, and the horror of 
 that thought overcame all sympathy for Daisy, and 
 awoke only much self-pity. 
 
 " What should I have done without you ? " she 
 murmured to Byrd. " What will Kilian say ? " 
 
 Byrd never lost her presence of mind. 
 
 "Oh, it's all right, I am keeping the wound closed. 
 The doctor will sew it up. Keep' quite still, Daisy. 
 Will some one fetch a little brandy from the inn ? " 
 
A NEW HORIZON 79 
 
 Happily, Dr. Voss had been smoking his cigar with 
 the General, and so he was within easy reach. He 
 gave a glance at the two ladies before he attended to 
 the child. This glance, however, told him at once 
 that the beautiful woman was the Countess, the 
 woman whom the Squire had put out of the pale of 
 Seawater society, and Dr. Voss smiled to himself. 
 
 " He wouldn't have done it if he had seen her. By 
 Jove, what a face ! " 
 
 Then Byrd's young, sweet countenance looked up 
 at him. 
 
 " Is she much hurt ? I have held the edges together 
 till you came." 
 
 "Quite right, you are a plucky woman," he 
 answered. " I hope that you are not given to fainting 
 Miss Leworthy ? " 
 
 Byrd laughed. 
 
 " I don't know what fainting means." 
 
 "All right." Then, turning to the Countess, he 
 said : " Kindly go to the castle and tell the little 
 girl's nurse that we are going to bring her in. She 
 must go to bed at once." 
 
 Dagmar moved off, 
 
 " I see that the Countess is not accustomed to the 
 sight of pain," said Dr. Voss ; and his voice was full 
 of sympathy. 
 
 Dagmar's paleness touched him more than Byrd's 
 courage. 
 
80 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 " She is thinking of her own child, who was killed 
 by an accident," murmured Byrd. 
 
 " Ah, poor woman." 
 
 That evening Dr. Voss sat in the beautiful drawing- 
 room, chatting to the two ladies as if he had known 
 them a long time. He was a man about forty years 
 old ; having private means, he had retired from the 
 army after having worked hard. He had been very 
 fond of his profession, and he had said that he had 
 never had time to make love, and, when he found 
 leisure to do so, his sister Sophy had prevented him 
 by her jealous guardianship from seeing too much of 
 any woman. He had not rebelled, for he enjoyed his 
 freedom, and he was on very good terms with all his 
 neighbours. The ladies all appreciated him. Miss 
 Dulcie Jeff was even too attentive. He was clever, 
 a good talker, nice-looking, wanting but that one 
 thing which perfects a man — the love of a woman. 
 
 As he sat talking to the Countess and to Byrd, he 
 decided that the Squire was an old fool to have 
 ostracised these new-comers. One was uncommonly 
 good-looking, and the other was pretty, good, and 
 clever, but, thought he, " It's fortunate I came here 
 professionally". 
 
CHAPTER VIII 
 
 FILIAL AFFECTION 
 
 KiLlAN Tresiddar walked back from St. Martin 
 with a less joyful expression on his face than he had 
 worn the day before. Evidently his business had not 
 prospered. As he -passed through Seawater on his 
 way to the castle he saw Squire Hammond walking 
 with General Jeff. Miss Dora was on one side of her 
 father and Miss Dulcie Jeff was close behind. They 
 both looked down shyly as the stranger passed them, 
 but the Squire stared at him with that courage which 
 is the mark of an English landed proprietor on his 
 own territory. 
 
 "That's the brother," said the Squire, as Kilian 
 passed on. 
 
 " A handsome fellow, and he looks harmless," said 
 the General. " Hadn't we better call on him, Squire?" 
 
 "Oh, he's only a visitor! No, I'll have nothing 
 to do with that set." 
 
 " Dr. Voss says that the little girl was badly hurt. 
 He's going again this morning, I believe," said Dulcie 
 
 sadly. 
 
 (81) 6 
 
82 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 " Voss does it professionally ; but think of your 
 daughters, General." 
 
 The General was thinking of them. If only Dulcie 
 could find a partner for life he would be nauch relieved, 
 for his savings had been few and his personal wants 
 many. Besides, he was afraid of the gentle Dulcie's 
 mild but never-ending rule. He, who had bravely 
 faced the foe, was a coward in his own home. 
 
 " Papa, dear, you must not walk any more," said 
 Dulcie, interrupting the conversation ; " remember that 
 kind Dr. Voss said you must have exercise without 
 fatigue." 
 
 " But I'm not fatigued, Dulcie." 
 
 " Oh, papa ! we know what that means, don't we, 
 Dora ? Indeed, Squire, when papa says he is ' not 
 fatigued,' in reality he is quite worn out." 
 
 " He looks right enough," grunted the Squire. 
 
 " Well, I'll sit on the pier. It's a lovely, warm, 
 sunny morning," answered the General, looking fur- 
 tively to see if Dulcie would allow him this privilege. 
 
 " On the cold stone pier 1 Oh, papa, don't, please 
 don't ! Get, up ; here's a shawl that I brought on 
 purpose for you, in case " 
 
 The General got up obediently, and the two 
 daughters adjusted the shawl with much needless 
 care. 
 
 " Rheumatism is certainly an awful complaint," said 
 the Squire laughing. 
 
FILIAL AFFECTION 83 
 
 " Our invalid is resigned," said Dulcie. " If you 
 please, Squire, would you very much mind changing 
 places with papa? The wind comes his way a little." 
 
 " There is no wind to-day at all, Dulcie," urged the 
 General. 
 
 " Papa always says that, but we know better, don't 
 we, Dora?" and Dulcie smiled at her own acuteness. 
 
 For the sake of peace the exchange was made. 
 
 "If you two take a little walk along the shore and 
 return in a quarter of an hour I shall be all right. 
 You will be cold standing still," remarked the General, 
 who now took this fatherly means of getting rid of his 
 daughters. 
 
 The two sisters consulted in whispers and then 
 consented. 
 
 " Please, Squire, will you notice if papa is getting 
 to look at all blue ? " said Dulcie. 
 
 " If he wants to get up will you give him an arm ? " 
 added Dora. " He never will ask when we are not 
 there." 
 
 " He will certainly be in the blues till you return," 
 said the Squire laughing. 
 
 " Oh, how funny you are, Squire!" said Miss Dulcie ; 
 then she added : " We'll go to the old kiln ; perhaps 
 Dr. Voss will come down from the castle that way, 
 and we might, perhaps, meet him. If we did I should 
 like him just to see you, papa, and to say positively if 
 you may go out this afternoon." 
 
84 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 The sisters walked away, but in a moment Dulcie 
 came running back. 
 
 " Oh, papa, I brought this big silk handkerchief for 
 you to put on if you sat out. Let me put it on for you." 
 
 " Nonsense, Dulcie, I'm too hot as it is." 
 
 " That's just what I thought, dear papa. Oh, 
 Squire, do tell him that he ought to take care of him- 
 self for our sakes." 
 
 Dulcie put on the kerchief without further talk and 
 hurried away, leaving her father looking like a swathed 
 mummy. 
 
 " You're preciously taken care of. General." 
 
 "They are devoted daughters," was the answer; 
 for the General was too prudent to say more to the 
 Squire, who had an inconvenient habit of blurting out 
 his friends' confidences in public. 
 
 " Miss Dulcie takes great interest in Voss, eh. 
 General ? A nice match that would be. Very suitable 
 indeed. I give my leave, and I fancy you would not 
 be a hard-hearted parent." 
 
 " Voss is very careful. The truth is. Squire, that 
 Miss Sophy keeps a very jealous eye on him. He is 
 quite under her thumb. Now, if I were in his place I 
 should show more courage." 
 
 " Humph ! Well, we can't tell what we should do in 
 a different place. For instance, if I were that young 
 Lovegrove's guardian, I wouldn't let the castle to 
 such a queer set of foreign upstarts." 
 
FILIAL AFFECTION 85 
 
 " They pay well ; besides, the Countess is English, 
 I believe." 
 
 " With that name ! Don't tell me." 
 
 " Voss looked in last night as he went home — at 
 least Dulcie called him in ; you. see, if she sends for 
 him too often his sister displays decided temper." 
 
 " What did Voss say ? " 
 
 " That the Countess had made friends with those 
 Leworthys at Combeside, and that Miss Leworthy 
 was a very clever girl." 
 
 " A Radical, so of course she must be a new woman. 
 No Radicals here, Jeff." 
 
 Dulcie and Dora walked on the painfully stony 
 shore with courage and perseverance till they reached 
 the kiln. 
 
 " I liked the look of that gentleman," said Dora 
 softly. 
 
 " He is not nearly so nice-looking as our doctor," 
 was Dulcie's answer. 
 
 " He is the child's father." . 
 
 " Fancy Miss Leworthy getting in there ! I think 
 I should like to know the new people if the Squire 
 would not be so prejudiced." 
 
 " Better not ; we might get drawn into making 
 questionable acquaintances ; besides, papa would not 
 be prudent. He would want to walk up there. I 
 wish Dr. Voss had not been called in." 
 
 " It's only professionally, you know, Dulcie." 
 
86 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 " Sophy will be still more jealous than she is of us," 
 
 " She stands in the way of her brother's happiness. 
 Oh, Dulcie, I can see him often looking at you." 
 
 Dulcie looked down and blushed. 
 
 " Don't tell me, please, though I do see it, too, 
 myself sometimes. I can't help it." 
 
 " He can never say you set your cap at him, Dulcie. 
 It is always for papa that you call him in — always." 
 
 " Always — I make some excuse if there is really 
 nothing the matter ; besides, at papa's age there is 
 always something going a little wrong." 
 
 "Yes. How quickly he comes when you do send 
 for him ! " 
 
 " In our house he sees what a loving home means. 
 At his own home Sophy hardly ever — kisses him. 
 How sad to think of a life spent with her ! She is so 
 cold and undemonstrative." 
 
 " And yet Dr. Voss is a perfect man of the world, 
 but there are hidden depths of tenderness in him. 
 We can see through the crust." 
 
 " How beautifully you put it 1 " 
 
 " Can you see him ? " 
 
 " No, he may come down the other way." 
 
 " Then let's get back quickly." 
 
 And they did. The General quite started when 
 Dulcie kissed him from behind. He disliked being 
 kissed in public, but how could he say so? 
 
 " Dear papa, we have not been long." 
 
FILIAL AFFECTION 87 
 
 " No, indeed. It's not time to go back yet. Take 
 another walk." 
 
 " Indeed it is, dear papa. You will suffer for this." 
 
 " Nonsense, Miss Dulcie. The air does him good. 
 I was saying, General, that these confounded little 
 wars " 
 
 Dulcie cleared her throat sorrowfully, and Dora 
 remarked : — 
 
 " If papa begins on a little war it lasts so very long. 
 Won't you walk home with us, Squire ? Now, papa, 
 take my arm." 
 
 " And lean the other on my shoulder," added 
 Dulcie. "You found that it made walking quite 
 easy the other day, don't you remember ? " 
 
 The General did as he was bid, and Dulcie set her 
 lips firmly, meaning to show the world that she was 
 suffering from her father's weight, but that wild horses 
 should not make her own it. 
 
 " Dulcie, let the weight fall on me ; you are not as 
 strong as I am." 
 
 "No, dear, we have always shared everything to- 
 gether," replied Dulcie faintly. 
 
 '' Now, papa, walk very slowly. Please don't talk 
 yet, till you have got your breath." 
 
 " I don't suppose he could," said the Squire, kicking 
 a pebble out of his path. " Oh ! there's Elinor," he 
 added, and hurried away to tell his wife that Dulcie 
 and Dora were fools. Mrs, Hammond approached, 
 
88 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 stern and silent as usual. She looked as if life had 
 no interest for her. 
 
 " Elinor, Voss has gone to the castle again," 
 remarked the Squire as his wife shook hands with 
 the General. 
 
 " Is the little girl better?" 
 
 " The father's come back ; we saw him just now. 
 These people can't do without us as they thought 
 they could." 
 
 " Dear Dr. Voss has tired himself out with his 
 professional attendance. He was there for hours last 
 night," said Dulcie. " I wish he would refuse the 
 case. Doctors do that sometimes." 
 
 " Are you worse this morning, General Jeff?" said 
 Mrs. Hammond. 
 
 " No ; better, thank you." 
 
 " Oh, that's papa's way, Mrs. Hammond. He is 
 much worse. He leans quite heavily on me," said 
 Dulcie. 
 
 " That Miss Leworthy has gone to the castle," 
 remarked the General. 
 
 " All Radicals together ; I won't have anything to 
 do with them," said the Squire, looking at his wife 
 sternly. " I won't have them mentioned." 
 
 " Very well, I don't want to associate with them." 
 
 " Still, if there is illness in the house, we ought to 
 be kind," said Dulcie. " I am sure that Dr. Voss 
 sets us all an example." 
 
FILIAL AFFECTION 89 
 
 " I do not care to associate with people of that sort," 
 said Mrs. Hammond coldly. " My friend Lady 
 Weston told me that this Countess was surrounded 
 with all kinds of fast people at Nice." 
 
 " No one could make us fast," said Dora, " and we 
 might show the poor thing what real refined society 
 means." 
 
 " But our time is so much taken up with dear papa, 
 that I don't see quite — still, we would try," added 
 Dulcie. 
 
 " I won't have them brought into our society," said 
 the Squire hotly. 
 
 At that moment Mr. Holsworth, the clergyman, 
 was seen approaching. 
 
 "Good morning, Mr. Holsworth," said Dulcie., 
 " This fine morning has tempted us all out early." 
 
 " I was on my way to the castle ; I hear that a little 
 girl has been hurt." 
 
 " Dr. Voss is there," said the Squire testily. " You 
 don't set bones, Holsworth." 
 
 " Still, when there is trouble " 
 
 " You only heal spiritual wounds," said the General 
 smiling. 
 
 " Miss Leworthy is helping to nurse the child," said 
 Dora. " She 'pushed herself in." 
 
 " I ought to have called on the Leworthys, but I 
 was waiting for my wife, who has been very busy with 
 mothers' meetings." 
 
pO SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 " I don't see the necessity," argued the Squire. 
 " Parsons are for the inside of churches. It's all 
 nonsense about house-to-house visiting. Let them 
 keep at home, and go only where they are invited." 
 
 Mr. Holsworth smiled. He was very much in- 
 fluenced by the Squire, who was his patron, otherwise 
 the Leworthys would have had an early visit ; but 
 still his duty, if found lagging, was not entirely for- 
 gotten. 
 
 " Oh, a clergyman must call on everybody." 
 
 " Pshaw ! " said the Squire ; " they don't want you, 
 Holsworth." 
 
 " Excuse us, please ; but dear papa must not stand, 
 and Dulcie looks tired, so we will go on," said Dora. 
 
 " My dear, I can walk home alone," said the General. 
 
 " Oh, no you can't, indeed, papa." 
 
 " Oh, Mr. Holsworth, do give papa an arm, and I'll 
 run on and see if his beef-tea is ready. Jane is so care- 
 less. If Dr. Voss passes, Dora, ask him to look in." 
 
 Miss Dulcie disappeared. The Squire went in with 
 his wife, and Mr. Holsworth was bound to support 
 the General, so he had to put off his visit to the castle. 
 
 Dr. Voss stayed a long time with the Countess that 
 rporning. Daisy was feverish, but he stayed for his own 
 pleasure, for he found that he knew several persons 
 whom Dagmar had met at Nice. She asked him to 
 stay for luncheon, and he accepted the invitation. It 
 was Byrd who stayed with Daisy. 
 
CHAPTER IX 
 
 tSte-a-tete 
 
 It was a beautiful spring evening ; the birds were still 
 singing in the red-gold oaks. The ferns had spread 
 their great fronds out to the sun, and only a few tall 
 croziers remained curled up. The cows had come 
 home from the meadows ready to give their rich milk, 
 and the cart-horses were slowly thinking of their supper. 
 Peace and beauty were seen everywhere as Byrd 
 walked by the side of Kilian Tresiddar up the glen path. 
 Instead of one night, she had stayed three, for Daisy 
 would not spare her, but now she was going home. 
 Those three days had made a great difference to her, 
 and there was a change in her very attitude. She was 
 going home endowed with quite a new world of thought. 
 She was fascinated by Dagmar, and her heart was full 
 of little Daisy. As to Mr. Tresiddar, she had several 
 subjects of wonder about him, but now she only 
 thought of the present, and of all his kindness to her. 
 The beauty of the evening filled her whole soul with 
 delight, and something else made her strangely happy, 
 but she did not quite understand what that was. 
 
 (91) 
 
92 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 " Daisy is almost herself again, thanks to you, Miss 
 Leworthy," said Kilian, looking at his companion 
 furtively. 
 
 He liked to learn that pure outline of her face by 
 heart. The joyous, open expression of countenance 
 was a little less joyous this evening, he thought. She 
 was doubtless tired with looking after Daisy, and with 
 Dagmar's talks. It was stange how much Dagmar 
 had taken to this girl, who was so ignorant of his 
 sister's life, and of her real position. 
 
 "But nothing will hurt her," he thought; "why 
 should I warn her? " 
 
 " You have indeed been good to Daisy ; how can I 
 thank you enough ? " 
 
 " By not doing it a all ! It has been a real pleasure 
 to me ; besides — I have made friends with your sister, 
 and I — I do admire her so much." 
 
 He was silent a moment, and then he said : — 
 
 " She is very handsome — almost more so now than 
 when she was a girl — but she is very much changed ". 
 
 " Because of the little girl's death ? " 
 
 " Yes ; she felt it excessively." 
 
 Both were silent from very different causes. Byrd 
 was so full of sympathy, that she thought only of the 
 mother's sorrow. This beautiful, childless widow 
 had a halo shed round her ; her evident and very real 
 grief beautified her already beautiful person. Itwas 
 part of Byrd's nature to beautify those she loved ; for 
 
TETE-A-TETE 93 
 
 instance, she could, even to herself, always find excuses 
 for her mother's peevishness. 
 
 " I am so very glad that I met you that day on the 
 shore," said Byrd suddenly, " and that I have been 
 able to be of use. I thought that I was going to be 
 very lonely, and suddenly I have found a friend. I 
 wish the castle really belonged to your sister." 
 
 "You are thinking that all happiness eludes us. 
 We grasp at it, and it is gone." 
 
 " It ought to be sufficient for the day," said Byrd, 
 smiling. 
 
 She walked on in front as the path narrowed in 
 ascending, and Kilian noticed how simple she was 
 dressed in a plain skirt and close-fitting jacket. - Her 
 figure was graceful, young and supple. Again he 
 was conscious of the extreme purity of the outline. 
 Then she turned her head, and her look had nothing 
 coquettish in it, only the expression in her eyes was 
 truthful and eager. 
 
 " I was nailing up the rose-tree when your sister 
 called out to me. When I turned she was leaning 
 against the bridge, looking so pretty, and Daisy's dear 
 little face was below the balcony. I knew at once 
 that I should love them both." 
 
 " I expect that they recognised a true friend. I 
 am sure that Daisy did so. Children so soon find 
 us out." 
 
 " They expect so much from us, and make us 
 
94 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 believe in our greatness," said Byrd. "Your little 
 Daisy already thinks that I can do everything." 
 
 " You ought to have children around you." 
 
 " But I can't," said Byrd. Another picture came 
 into her mind. " I should have liked to take up 
 teaching when we lost our money. I had several 
 offers to teach in high schools, but of course my duty 
 was at home. Grant is, so helpless, and mother is 
 easily worried with trouble." 
 
 " Duty seems quite a real factor with you," he said 
 dreamily. 
 
 " Well, of course, it is to all of us. Suppose I had gone 
 away, I should not have been happy. I should always 
 have had the idea before me that I was wanted." 
 
 " But suppose you were to marry ? " he said, in the 
 same dreamy voice. 
 
 " That is not likely ! In these days one must be 
 rich to marry. I am quite contented to be really of 
 
 use, and when " She stopped. "I am talking 
 
 as if all this interested you." 
 
 " It does really. I have been wandering about 
 some time myself learning to be idle. I have a house 
 full of boys attached to Ermston College, and I had 
 overworked, so that I obtained a year's leave. A 
 younger man has taken my place. I felt lonely when 
 I was free, so I — looked up Daisy." 
 
 "Hadn't -you Daisy with you before?" said Byrd, 
 surprised. 
 
TETE-A-TETE 95 
 
 She wondered when he had lost his wife. It was 
 evidently a painful subject, and he did not mention 
 her. 
 
 " No. Daisy was taken care of by a person I knew 
 about, but the child was not happy, so in a moment 
 of — shall I say duty? — I took her off with me." 
 
 " She is very fond of you. I hope you will always 
 keep her." 
 
 "That depends," he said slowly, "on many things. 
 There is your brother looking out for you. May I 
 ask, Miss Leworthy, whether you think he would like 
 to come and stay with me at the castle ? " 
 
 " Oh, he would be a burden to you. He can only 
 get about on crutches, though he is clever with them." 
 
 " No ; 1 should like a companion on the terrace." 
 
 " He does want a man's companionship," said Byrd, 
 and her voice had a ring of tenderness. " My father 
 is out all day on the farm, and seldom talks much now 
 when he is indoors, and Grant gets silent. We read 
 together, but — do you mean it ? " 
 
 Her whole face was brightened by the idea of this 
 pleasure for her brother. 
 
 « Of course I do." 
 
 "Thank you a hundred times," she said, stopping 
 still ; then she added : " He is rather sensitive ; don't 
 let him think that you pity him." 
 
 " I don't pity him. He is to be envied." 
 
 Byrd shook her head. 
 
96 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 " No, he can't give expression to his ideas. He is 
 clever, but " 
 
 " Well, if he will come, you will look in as often as 
 you can." 
 
 " I can if he is with you. He is the real hindrance 
 to my going away. Mother would like me to see 
 people, but Grant doesn't like my being out of the 
 way." 
 
 "I will persuade him. One moment. Miss Leworthy. 
 You don't realise how much good you have done to 
 my sister. I can see it. Don't give her up, whatever 
 happens." 
 
 " But it will be the other way. She is older, and 
 she is so beautiful, and of course she must be very 
 popular. She will soon tire of me." 
 
 " She is going to fill the house soon." 
 
 "Is she?" 
 
 Byrd was surprised. 
 
 "You are surprised. You don't understand, but 
 some sorrow is forgotten more easily in a crowd." 
 
 " Mine would not be ; but we cannot judge for 
 others." 
 
 " No, do not judge Dagmar, but be with her as 
 much as you can." 
 
 Byrd's expressive smile said plainly that she was 
 only too glad to agree to the suggestion, and then 
 they climbed the hill to the farm. 
 
 Kilian looked at the roses drooping over Byrd's 
 
TETE-A-TETE 97 
 
 balcony, and a feeling of strange restfulness fell over 
 him. Was he right in what he had said to her? 
 Ought he to encourage her friendship with his sister 
 
 because He pulled himself up. She interested 
 
 him, but what about her? "To wilful men the in- 
 juries that they themselves procure must be their 
 schoolmasters." These words came into his mind, 
 but he put them away from him. 
 
 Byrd sang out her return, and her father, who 
 happened to be close by, came through a field gate. 
 He met Mr. Tresiddar and Byrd on the bridge. 
 
 "You've come back, Byrd. The house was dull 
 without you." 
 
 "And the butter was, not so well made," she 
 answered. " We shall lose our customers if I go away 
 often, you see, Mr. Tresiddar." 
 
 " I don't think so." 
 
 They all went in and talked of all that had taken 
 place. When Kilian left, Grant had promised to go 
 for a week to the castle, much to the surprise of his 
 family. 
 
 " Good-bye," said Byrd, running after the departing 
 Kilian. "You are kind and good — about Grant, I 
 mean. Give Daisy a kiss for me." 
 
 There was sadness in his eyes, but as he turned 
 away there was a smile on his lips as he thought — 
 
 " That was the sort of woman I used to dream of, 
 years ago". 
 
98 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 When he reached the castle, Dr. Voss was at the 
 door. 
 
 " I thought I had better just come and look at your 
 little girl," he said. 
 
 " That is kind of you. Miss Leworthy is gone, so 
 Daisy will be very dull." 
 
 " Miss Leworthy seems to be a first-rate nurse. 
 Unfortunately, her father is a Radical, so the Squire 
 will have no dealings with him, and we are all under 
 the Squire's thumb." 
 
 " My sister does not wish to enter into Seawater 
 society," said Kilian impatiently, " so the Squire may 
 save himself the trouble of calling. We shall soon 
 go ; but Miss Leworthy " 
 
 " Yes, I understand — utterly foolish and pig-headed 
 to taboo Leworthy for mere politics, for he is a very 
 fine fellow, I hear." 
 
 " As long as we are here, my sister hopes to bring 
 some brightness into Miss Leworthy's life." 
 
 Dr. Voss said nothing ; he suddenly realised that 
 the Squire ruled them too much. 
 
 But when Dagmar held out her hand to him, he 
 forgot all about the Leworthys. 
 
 " Come and dine with us. Daisy is better, but you 
 would like to see her the last thing," said the Countess. 
 
 Dr. Voss obeyed without a knurmur, but his con- 
 science told him that his sister Sophy would much 
 disapprove — if she knew ! 
 
CHAPTER X 
 
 FOREIGN GUESTS 
 
 Dagmar'S mood had changed. The castle was full 
 
 of guests, and Grant Leworthy was living a new life. 
 
 He had never believed that existence could be so 
 
 entertaining, nor that strangers could be so kind as 
 
 were the Countess and her brother. They would not 
 
 let him brood in the library, but they made him join 
 
 in the bright, lively talk of the guests. This brought 
 
 out all his hidden and suppressed talent. But when 
 
 the Countess singled him out for her companion, and 
 
 when he gazed at her bewitching smile, then he was 
 
 another being. Grant fell in love for the first time in 
 
 his life. 
 
 Instead of feeling shy, Grant expanded in the 
 
 presence of the strangers. That quiet home and 
 
 Byrd's sisterly attention seemed now infinitely dull. 
 
 This was life — real, palpitating life — and he found out 
 
 the worth of his varied knowledge. The Countess 
 
 was attracted by his talent, for she saw that he was 
 
 able to talk with these clever people. They drew him 
 
 out of his shell, and he almost forgot his lameness. 
 
 (.99) 
 
100 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 Dagmar was all smiles and kindness. She pitied him 
 so much that she did not show him any sign of pity, 
 and Grant felt superior to his infirmity. 
 
 Grant was twenty-three years old. He had meta- 
 phorically lived in prison, brooding over his troubles, 
 and reviling fate for having denied him the rights of 
 strong manhood. Now he felt that all pain had its 
 compensation. The Countess appealed to him for 
 knowledge ; even Kilian, with all his sound learning, 
 was not such a mine of out-of-the-way information as 
 was Grant, who had for so long lived in books. 
 
 This was his fourth day at the castle, and he 
 thought that he had lived a seven years' fairy ex- 
 istence. His room overlooked the sea and the islands, 
 and standing on a stone balcony he could see below 
 the steep, wooded depths going down to the sea, 
 though unable to discover their place of union. 
 
 Little Daisy was still delicate. The room set apart 
 for her and called the schoolroom, though no lessons 
 were learnt there, was Grant's refuge, for there, under 
 the pretence of amusing the child, he could sit and 
 dream of this new life until the Countess would 
 suddenly come to drag him out into the wood. 
 
 " Mr. Leworthy, I have an idea. See, we are going 
 to enjoy ourselves, and I make you the master of the 
 ceremonies. Write a dialogue for me and for the 
 Baron. What do you think of him ? He is a true 
 cosmopolitan and can speak any language. At least. 
 
FOREIGN GUESTS 101 
 
 so he said at Nice. He has an extraordinary memory, 
 and can learn anything. Or better still, write a little 
 play for three characters, and the third shall be your- 
 self. I have discovered your talent, so don't refuse 
 me. 
 
 " Oh, I have none, but if you tell me to do it I will 
 obey." 
 
 " Then your sister shall come and listen. We can 
 do it to-morrow night. She has already forgotten me. 
 I fell in love with her at first sight." 
 
 " Oh, Byrd is only a home-bird. She cannot vie 
 with a nightingale." 
 
 " Kilian was right. He said that you were a hidden 
 genius and poet." 
 
 "Only an obedient slave," and the young man's 
 smile lighted up his sad face. 
 
 Grant was not like his sister. He had a long, oval 
 face, and dark, deep-set eyes. He reminded Dagmar 
 of a Spanish picture. She liked to see his face be- 
 come animated. If he were not lame how very hand- 
 some he would be ! But that would not matter in a 
 dialogue ; he must be the character who always sits. 
 
 The company was certainly a strange mixture, but 
 it seemed perfect to Grant, who had seen so little of 
 the world. There was the Baron Villeroy, a Belgian, 
 and Signor Leopardi, an Italian, a German gentleman 
 called Herr Haleborg, and his daughter, Fraulein 
 Haleborg, a silent nonentity. Then there were two 
 
102 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 English brothers, John and George Fontenay, who 
 were artists by profession, but who had lately married 
 two heiresses, daughters of a Manchester velveteen 
 manufacturer, and who were enjoying life by spending 
 their wives' riches. These ladies were so much alike 
 that no one could at first tell the difference. They 
 were like merry kittens, with no more idea of the 
 sorrows and responsibilities of life than young lambs. 
 Dagmar would have no dull people. The only quiet 
 element in the place was Kilian himself. Dagmar 
 was planning drives and picnics, pleasures by land and 
 sea. She wanted to drown thought. 
 
 Dr. Voss had not been told what was going to 
 happen, and when one morning he came to see Daisy, 
 expecting as usual to find the Countess alone, and to 
 enjoy a talk with her, for she talked admirably, he 
 found himself in what he mentally described as a 
 hornets' nest. 
 
 Grant did not come under this description, and as 
 Dr. Voss entered the school-room, Byrd's brother rose 
 up with flushed face, and exclaimed : — 
 
 " I've done it ! I'm glad. Dr. Voss, that you did 
 not disturb me a minute sooner. One can only do 
 these dialogues at fever heat." 
 
 " Good Heavens ! who are all those people I've 
 seen ? " said the Doctor. 
 
 " The Countess has a house-party. I'll go and tell 
 her that you are here," 
 
FOREIGN GUESTS 103 
 
 Grant went off radiant, with his manuscript in his 
 hand, and the next moment Kilian entered, and Daisy- 
 came to nestle close beside him, for she was a little 
 shy of alkliie new-comers. 
 
 " I thought that the Countess wanted quiet," said 
 Dr. Voss, rather shortly. 
 
 Kilian smiled. 
 
 " Quiet ! Yes, if it would bring forgetfulness, 
 otherwise she will seek it among the distractions of a 
 house-party. I want to thank you for your kindness 
 to Daisy. She is nearly well now, isn't she? " 
 
 He looked down tenderly at the child's pretty face, 
 and then half turned away from her. 
 
 " It was Miss Leworthy's prompt courage that 
 helped the quick recovery." 
 
 "Papa, when is my Miss Byrd coming again?" 
 asked Daisy. 
 
 " Shall I go and fetch her ? " asked Kilian. 
 
 Daisy's face brightened. 
 
 " Do, please do, dads." 
 
 At this moment, Dagmar entered. She studied 
 dress and was always in becoming attire. 
 
 " There is Dr. Voss ! I wanted you. Don't go. 
 Will you let me introduce you to my friends? To- 
 morrow evening we shall have a little entertain- 
 ment. Mr. Leworthy has become our pocket Shake- 
 speare ! " 
 
 Dr, Voss hardly recognised her. She seemed to 
 
104 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 have thrown off all sadness. Her eyes sparkled, and 
 a fascinating smile often flitted across her face. 
 
 " Thank you," said the Doctor ; " but my sister does 
 not like being left alone in the evening." 
 
 " Bring her here, then," said Dagmar, smiling. She 
 had heard of Miss Voss's jealous eye. 
 
 Dr. Voss smiled to himself He, too, disapproved 
 of such a strange house-party. " Queer foreigners," 
 he named them, copying the Squire's vocabulary ; 
 but still Dagmar's smile was dangerously captivating. 
 
 " You forget. Countess, that we are slow old fogies 
 here.'' 
 
 "You are the exception. You don't really place 
 yourself on the same shelf as that Squire I hear of?" 
 Dagmar laughed. " Impossible — and that old General 
 with his daughters ! No, you have seen the world. 
 Miss Leworthy is coming. If that sweet Puritan 
 ventures " 
 
 Kilian lifted Daisy up in his arms, and walked out 
 of the room. 
 
 " Come and have a ride on dad's back, child," he 
 said. When his sister was in her wild mood he was 
 afraid of her speeches. 
 
 Dr. Voss had meant this to be his last visit, but 
 when he descended the steep path from the castle he 
 had promised to come the next evening, and now he 
 was wondering what excuse he would find to soothe 
 his sister's feelings. 
 
FOREIGN GUESTS 105 
 
 As he came near the pier he saw that he would 
 have to face another affectionate foe. The General 
 and his two daughters were walking slowly towards 
 home. 
 
 " The British Lion and his two supporters,", thought 
 Dr. Voss. The sisters had never appeared so 
 ridiculous to him as they now did, he having just left 
 the side of a beautiful woman. Miss Dulcie's pale, 
 narrow, old-maidish face quite repelled him. Before, 
 he had only called her " homely ". 
 
 " Dear Dr. Voss, actually we were talking about 
 you. Dora was saying that we must send for you." 
 
 " Papa is so breathless to-day." 
 
 " It's rather warm," said the doctor absently. 
 
 " Warm ! Oh, much colder than yesterday ! We 
 insisted on dear papa's putting on a comforter." 
 
 " Have you been to that dreadful castle ? Mr. 
 Chegwidden said that the other day he counted four 
 flys going up there. How is the child ? " 
 
 " Oh, better — yes, the Countess has a houseful of 
 friends." 
 
 "Foreigners!" said the General, as if he were 
 speaking of brigands. 
 
 " They admire the place immensely," said the 
 Doctor, trying to find some good point in foreigners 
 which would touch the Seawater souls. 
 
 "They ought not to come here. Dr. Voss, won't 
 you come and play chess with papa to-morrow 
 
106 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 evening ? He sleeps better after one of your cheery 
 visits." 
 
 " I should say that you seem pretty well now, 
 General, by the look of you," he said absently. 
 
 " Yes, yes, of course." 
 
 "Oh, dear papa, how can you utter such a little 
 white lie ! He woke up at five this morning, and 
 Dulcie got up to read to him." 
 
 " Yes, I read a Walter Scott novel, but I left out all 
 the Scotch and all the descriptions, so as not to worry 
 dear papa's brain." 
 
 " The Squire is quite irate about the Countess," said 
 the General, trying to divert the conversation from 
 himself; " but, really, she does not interfere with us." 
 
 " Not in the least." 
 
 " Oh, yes, she is a very wicked woman," said Dora. 
 " I hear that she has shut up the grounds, and that no 
 one may drive along her carriage coast road. We 
 have done it for years. 
 
 " She is in great trouble," said the doctor. 
 
 " And has a houseful of foreigners," said Dulcie. 
 
 "Oh, perhaps they are her husband's relatives 
 coming to condole with her," said the poor man, 
 sinking deeper into the mire of equivocation. 
 
 " Mr. Chegwidden's boy went up there with a pound 
 of moist sugar to-day, and he reports that the little 
 girl was out, so she can't be very ill ! But you will 
 come to-morrow evening ? " said Dulcie. 
 
FOREIGN GUESTS 107 
 
 " Let me come to-night instead." 
 
 " Do come to-night, but not ' instead '. Dulcie is 
 going to make papa go early to bed." 
 
 " I'm as well as possible," sighed the General. 
 
 " Dear papa is so brave ; but you know, dear, that 
 your .breath is very short to-day. The sight of you. 
 Dr. Voss, has been like healing medicine." 
 
 "Excuse me, Sophy is expecting me," and Dr. 
 Voss escaped. 
 
 His house was a little lower down the vijlage, and 
 he had another trial there to go through. His sister 
 met him at the door. 
 
 " Oh, Dick, how late you are ! Luncheon has been 
 waiting. You have been to the castle ? " 
 
 " A last visit — or nearly a last visit — to that child." 
 
 " I saw her out with her father. She can't want you." 
 
 " She is a delicate child ; complications may follow. 
 Indeed,. I thought of taking a last look at her to- 
 morrow evening. She is rather restless at night." 
 
 " Then your coming will only disturb her. Indeed, 
 to-morrow evening I want you at home specially, and 
 if you pass the General's door, those silly girls will 
 waylay you." 
 
 " Oh no, no — nonsense ! I can take care of myself, 
 Sophy." 
 
 " You can't, Dick. Dulcie believes " 
 
 "What?" 
 
 " That you are going to marry her." 
 
108 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 Dr. Voss looked indignant. 
 
 " I wish you would not repeat such silly gossip, 
 Sophy." 
 
 " But it's true. Dulcie Jeff is a most artful woman." 
 
 Dr. Voss lighted his pipe, and the conversation 
 ended. Sophy was very thin and stiff, with an un- 
 prepossessing exterior, but possessed of a great power 
 of passionate devotion to one person. This one was 
 her brother. She lived only for him without the 
 power of being self-sacrificing in the right way. She 
 wished to mould him to her way of thinking, and she 
 had always a terrible dread lying like a weight upon 
 her spirit that Dick would marry ! She had, unknown 
 to any one, refused the advances of a man who might 
 have brought her happiness, but she preferred to live 
 with Dick. In this out-of-the-way place she thought 
 that he could meet with no one to marry, and lo ! Miss 
 Dulcie Jeff had immediately lost her heart to him. 
 Still, Dick Voss would never have discovered it if his 
 sister had not continually referred to it. He had met 
 many women in India, and had had too many sieges 
 laid to the fortress of his affection to be much moved 
 by Miss Dulcie's devotion ; however. Miss Dulcie was 
 less of a tyrant than his sensible sister. A man some- 
 times elects to jump from the frying-pan into the fire, 
 merely for the sake of change, and such might have 
 been his fate but for the fact of Daisy's accident. The 
 pivots of our lives turn on the mpst delicate machinery. 
 
CHAPTER XI 
 
 AN ANTS' NEST 
 
 Byrd had done her work early, and was busy in 
 the big parlour mending Grant's socks. Every now 
 and then she looked out of the window towards the 
 great beacon, and, by bending her head low, she 
 could catch a sight of the sky and of lazy floating 
 white clouds that threw long, deep, purple shadows 
 on the heather hills. The deep little cleft on her left 
 hand was ablaze with oaks and birches. Close to 
 the farm a tall birch stretched its silver arms over 
 the stream below, and a blackbird swayed on one of 
 the slender branches, singing as if its throat would 
 burst. 
 
 There was the same kind of feeling of over-abundant 
 joy in Byrd's breast. She wanted to sing, but her 
 mother was sitting by, and Mrs. Leworthy's presence 
 stifled song. 
 
 " I don't like Grant being at that castle, Byrd," 
 
 Mrs. Leworthy presently remarked. " He'll find this 
 
 dull place duller than ever when he comes back." 
 
 " Oh, no, mother, it will cheer him up. I always 
 (109) , , 
 
no SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 thought Grant wanted to sharpen his wits against 
 other minds." 
 
 " That's what people say when they want to leave 
 home. You see, Grant's position is peculiar. When 
 your father dies he will never be able to help himself, 
 and there will be no money left to keep him. It 
 weighs on my mind. Now you, Byrd, could turn 
 your hand to anything, and you are a good house- 
 keeper." 
 
 " But, mother dear. Grant is clever ; he might keep 
 himself with his pen. He wants just what he is 
 getting — stimulus." 
 
 " Oh, no ! I know Grant. He will like it at the 
 time, and then he will be more depressed than ever 
 when he comes back. I'm sure I don't wonder 
 at it." 
 
 "You don't grudge him the pleasure, do you, 
 mother, dear ? " 
 
 " Grudge it him ! Oh, no. I'm sure I'm too miser- 
 able myself to grudge any one any pleasure ; but all 
 those foreigners won't please him." 
 
 But Byrd could not and would not be depressed. 
 The blackbird sang on sweet and clear, and Byrd 
 gave thanks to Heaven for it. 
 
 " I'll keep Grant if — we are left penniless. There, 
 mother, I'll promise you that, so make yourself 
 easy." 
 
 " And who will keep me, I should like to know ? " 
 
AN ANTS' NEST 111 
 
 " Why, I shall, too, of course." 
 
 " Oh, you may marry ; though there is no one here 
 for you to marry. By the way, you must never, never 
 marry a foreigner, Byrd. We can't spare you. See- 
 ing all we have done for you it would be very un- 
 dutiful." 
 
 " Don't be anxious about that," laughed Byrd. 
 
 " I wish that bird wouldn't sing so loud. Put your 
 head out of the window, Byrd, and shoo it away." 
 
 " I really can't mother. It's my pet blackbird. It 
 comes close to the balcony ; I believe it knows me." 
 
 "You'll be afraid in winter up in that nasty room. 
 Any robber could easily get up those wooden stairs." 
 
 " Poor fellow ; it would be such useless- trouble. 
 Why, I have only two trinkets left, and they are not 
 very valuable. I sold grannie's jewels, you know." 
 
 " But the fright of seeing a robber might kill 
 you." 
 
 "Well, that would end all difficulties." Byrd 
 laughed heartilly. 
 
 " Not for me, Byrd. You never think of me." 
 
 At that moment there was the sound of footsteps 
 heard in the front porch, and the dogs barked, Byrd 
 turned away to hide a blush. 
 
 " Oh, it's Mr. Tresiddar," she said, " He's bringing 
 us news of Grant. Daisy is not with him." 
 
 Kilian appeared, and with him entered that atmos- 
 phere of human interest which some people always 
 
112 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 bring with them. He seemed calm and at home 
 as he shook hands with Mrs. Leworthy and then with 
 Byrd, 
 
 " I'm come to fetch you away on this lovely day, 
 and you, too, Mrs. Leworthy." 
 
 " Me ! What an idea ! I much prefer quiet. If I 
 must live here, at least I'll not complain." 
 
 " Then, Miss Leworthy, you must come. We are 
 going to walk round the coast walk, starting from 
 the castle, and to picnic at Culroam, that lovely little 
 combe by the sea. Have you yet been there ? " 
 
 " No, not yet ; and it is such a lovely day. Mother, 
 will you spare me ? " 
 
 "Pray go, though I don't see the good of eating 
 your dinner in damp places ; but tell Grant that I 
 expect him home soon." 
 
 As Byrd hastily ran up to her room and dressed 
 herself, she knew why she had felt like the blackbird. 
 " He was walking up the glen all the time, and I ex- 
 pect that somehow I knew it." 
 
 " Who lives on that higher farm ? " asked Kilian 
 when left alone with Mrs. Leworthy. 
 
 " Oh, some farmer called Plant. They take in 
 tourists in the summer, I hear, but the wife is quite 
 a common woman, with whom one cannot associate. 
 I'm not sure whether they have not a visitor there al- 
 ready. I sometimes think that we shall have to do 
 the same. An artist, or some person like that." 
 
AN ANTS' NEST 113 
 
 "Oh, no, no, don't do that, Mrs. Leworthy. By 
 the way, do you know that your son has a remarkable 
 talent for play-writing? He has written a dialogue 
 that my sister and a visitor are going to act to-night. 
 It is first-rate. He ought to write for the London 
 stage." 
 
 " What, to write plays to help on all those wicked 
 actors and actresses ? I hope not ; never, never ! " 
 
 " What about Shakespeare ? " 
 
 "Oh, in those days it was different. No, I hope 
 that my poor, afflicted son will do no such thing." 
 
 Kilian dropped the subject, and a dreamy expres- 
 sion came into his eyes. 
 
 "What a mother to possess!" he thought. "Cer- 
 tainly she could quench any light except the best. 
 Why is her daughter so different ? " 
 
 Byrd reappeared. She looked charming, though 
 her attire was very simple. 
 
 " Here I am. - How good of you to come and fetch 
 me ! I wanted to sing like the blackbird this morn- 
 ing. Good-bye, mother dear. I'll bring you news 
 of Grant if I don't bring him back in person." 
 
 " Don't expect her until you see her," said Kilian. 
 " I'll bring her home safely. My sister means to 
 have an evening stroll after the acting. We shall all 
 come up the glen in the moonlight." 
 
 " How foolish ! Byrd, you have only a print 
 
 dress." 
 
 8 
 
114 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 " Oh, but it's pretty enough. I can't vie with the 
 toilette of the Countess, so I go in for country sim- 
 plicity.'' 
 
 "It is perfect," said Kilian ; and Byrd was satis- 
 fied. 
 
 They walked in silence a little while and then 
 he said :— 
 
 " Daisy is wild at the idea of you coming to see 
 her ". 
 
 " She is a dear child. Was she a very sweet baby ? " 
 
 Kilian looked at his companion with a sidelong 
 glance. She was quite innocent of a hidden meaning. 
 He saw that at once. 
 
 " Daisy has only been with me this year." 
 
 " Of course, a little girl in a houseful of boys would 
 be an inconvenient property ; but still you have 
 missed a good deal of her pretty ways." 
 
 " I am learning to be fond of her." 
 
 Byrd was surprised. 
 
 " You don't care for babies as much as I do, I sup- 
 pose ? I love the little helpless things that curl their 
 fingers round your hair and themselves round youi- 
 heart." 
 
 "All good women love children." 
 
 " Goodness has nothing to do with it. I know 
 charming women who don't care one scrap about 
 children. My friend, Erla Seaton, for instance." 
 
 " You could make your friends like what you liked. 
 
AN ANTS' NEST 115 
 
 I mean a man friend. They are so much influenced 
 by the women they have to do with." 
 
 " I doubt that ; sometimes though, of course, men 
 are influenced by women possessing great beauty, 
 wit, or, perhaps, wickedness. That is rather a sad 
 thought for our sex." 
 
 " What makes you say that? " 
 
 " I have a cousin who married a horrid actress." 
 
 " Married an actress?" 
 
 "Yes, she was odious — is still, I dare say; but 
 they are separated, and he is the most miserable of 
 men." 
 
 " Can't he get a divorce ? " 
 
 " Oh, no ; he would not think it right. Besides, , 
 bad as she is, I believe that he still loves her. Isn't 
 it strange ? And yet she has been his utter ruin, that 
 is, as far as his prospects go. No one could quite 
 ruin his moral character, but now he is an entire 
 sceptic about the good influence of a woman." 
 
 " Don't you reconcile him to it ? " 
 
 Byrd looked up at him, but Mr. Tresiddar's face 
 was impassive. He did not seem to be really think- 
 ing of her. 
 
 " Oh, I talk to him, but he says that I have never 
 been tempted to evil, and that I know nothing about 
 it." 
 
 "If you were " 
 
 Byrd turned and looked at her companion. How 
 
116 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 calm and handsome he looked ! He seemed to be 
 thinking out the philosophy of life, without thinking 
 of any influence it might have on him. 
 
 "One can't theorise about -temptation, only one 
 hopes that it would not be too strong for one's prin- 
 ciples." 
 
 " Not for yours, I think. But now I want to talk 
 to you about your brother. Do you know that he 
 has an unknown talent?" 
 
 " Grant is a bookworm, but I am afraid that he will 
 never really do anything. Last winter we had all 
 our fires lighted with his abortive attempts. When 
 I was younger I used to save them, but" — Byrd 
 laughed — " space is precious, and fires require paper 
 to light them." 
 
 "You did right. My idea is that he will never 
 write a book, but he will write a play." 
 
 "Oh!" gasped Byrd, "what would mother say? 
 She has Puritanical ideas about theatres. I rather 
 fancy that Grant has only been on the sly to a play." 
 
 They both laughed. 
 
 " Do you dislike the stage yourself? " 
 
 " I love it. But Grant — do you really think so ? " 
 
 " I feel sure of it. His little three character play is 
 excellent. You will see and hear for yourself this 
 evening." 
 
 " How can I thank you for being so good to him ? " 
 
 " By keeping your high ideals,'' he said, almost 
 
AN ANTS' NEST 117 
 
 under his breath ; and then, suddenly he seized her 
 hand and drew her out of the path. " Take care, 
 here is an enormous ants' nest in the path. They 
 thrive in these woods." 
 
 " What strange httle things ! Look at this one 
 tugging her egg along." 
 
 "Do we look like that in God's sight?" asked 
 Kilian stooping down. " We wonder at their ac- 
 tivity and at their tremendous fussiness simply on the 
 subject of nest-making and food. Sweep them away 
 and who would be the better or the worse? Take 
 the token." 
 
 " I can't," said Byrd laughing. " See how happy 
 they are ! Activity is pleasure, and love is pleasure. 
 They must love these ugly little eggs to exert them- 
 selves so much ; besides, there is their mutual help. 
 Look at this one really helping his friend." 
 
 " And here is another who takes no notice of his 
 dead companion. Somewhere Emerson makes the 
 worldly man say : ' Life itself is a bubble and a scep- 
 ticism, and a sleep within a sleep ' ; but he advises us 
 to ' heed our private dream '. I had one once, but it 
 faded away. Dagmar must have had hers ; but see 
 how hers has come to nothing." 
 
 "She will be happy again. Some good man will 
 want her." 
 
 Kilian shook his head. 
 
 " She would find him dull." 
 
118 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 " Is goodness dull ? I often think wickedness is 
 duller. ■■ It is less dull to grasp our ideals." 
 
 "There is such a thing, Miss Leworthy, as being 
 too weary to entertain any ideals. Will you take my 
 advice ? My sister has brought a houseful of people 
 together. Take no notice of their light follies, be 
 yourself, and enjoy the surface of it all, which is com- 
 paratively harmless." 
 
 "Why should I not be myself?" asked Byrd, 
 looking up with a sudden gravity on her face. 
 
 " There is no reason at all. When you walk down 
 any crowded street you hustle many characters, you 
 push against queer lives, but it does not destroy the 
 enjoyment of your morning walk." 
 
 " Of course not ; we exchange no words." 
 
 " And yet as they glance at you all those people 
 know you to be a — an English woman, such as all 
 wish her to be, and they go on their way feeling the 
 better for the sight." 
 
 " Oh, do you think so ? " said Byrd. " I fear that 
 you are wrong. They take no notice at all." 
 
 " Indeed, they do ! " 
 
 Byrd did not know why his words made her sad, 
 but the feeling faded away, and the whole day was to 
 her one of pleasure and pure delight. To her, all the 
 people seemed delightful and amusing. The Baron 
 was, of course, attentive to Dagmar, but so were all 
 the men. As to Grant, she hardly recognised him. 
 
AN ANTS' NEST 119 
 
 He was a transformed being. He and Daisy followed 
 in a light pony carriage by another road. The 
 walkers followed the tiny, steep cliff path, and 
 Dagmar was the life of the party. Byrd wondered 
 at this new phase, but she was ready to admire all 
 that her new friend did, and she was glad to see her 
 less sad. When they reached the spot selected for 
 the lunch nothing could have looked more tempting. 
 The steep, wooded cliff was cleft in two by a rushing 
 stream. Below was a tiny bay, and beyond the 
 wooded maze was the everlasting sea, hemmed in the 
 horizon by low, purpling hills. 
 
 How clever and amusing was the talk ; how all 
 laughed and appeared happy ! How they made fun 
 of the Squire, the General and his two daughters, 
 whom some one graphically described, and how Daisy 
 got excited and danced to amuse the company, until 
 her father stopped her childish antics, and she returned 
 to Byrd's side, hurt and blushing ! But it was Kilian 
 who noticed that Byrd's presence stopped all equivocal 
 jokes, and a too uproarious mirth. 
 
 " She doesn't even know it," he thought. " A true, 
 brave, pure heart." 
 
 Grant had eyes for no one but the Countess, and 
 she seemed to speak more kindly to him than to any 
 of her other admirers. 
 
CHAPTER XII 
 
 A VISITOR AT ANOTHER FARM 
 
 It was a beautiful moonlight evening, so all the 
 party except Grant and Daisy, and the Fontenay 
 ladies, started up the private path on the way to 
 the farm. The Baron Villeroy kept close to Dagmar, 
 and Byrd, happy and excited, followed' them with 
 Kilian. 
 
 " I can hardly believe that Grant did it. How de- 
 lightful it was ! " 
 
 " He has a genius, but he should see more of 
 life." 
 
 " I think he was inspired," said the Baron looking 
 back. " What a lovely glen ! How the moon 
 illumines the fair scene as we follow. Venus, who 
 shows us the way ! " 
 
 " Really, Baron," said Dagmar, smiling, " your 
 metaphors are sadly un-English. Miss Leworthy will 
 think " 
 
 " Miss Leworthy is an attendant nymph." 
 
 " No ; I make butter at home. Nymphs never do 
 
 that." 
 
 (120) 
 
A VISITOR AT ANOTHER FARM 121 
 
 " You English ladies are wonderful ; there is nothing 
 that you cannot do. You charm the eye and fasci- 
 nate the heart ; moreover, you satisfy man's highest 
 ideal." 
 
 "When women can cook an ideal dinner," put in 
 Kilian gravely. 
 
 " If you will ; and who can say that the cooking of 
 food is not the greatest art ? " 
 
 "Villeroy," cried the Fontenays, "come back and 
 have a game of billiards." 
 
 '' I cannot forsake the ladies," said the Baron. 
 
 The others had enjoyed enough of the moonlight, 
 so they turned back, leaving only Dagmar and the 
 Baron, and Byrd and her companion. The Baron 
 now became still more attentive to Dagmar. When 
 the end of the glen was reached, Byrd paused. 
 
 " I can go back alone now, Mr. Tresiddar." 
 
 " Certainly not ; the woodland bird must be seen 
 back to the nest. We will wait for Kilian," exclaimed 
 the Countess. 
 
 "Good night, dear Countess," whispered Byrd. 
 "You have given me very great pleasure." 
 
 Dagmar kissed her new friend, and then turned to 
 answer the Baron's last remark. 
 
 " The Countess seems to like the Baron. He is a 
 very agreeable, handsome man," said Byrd, as if to 
 herself 
 
 " Yes, very agreeable ; but I can't see why Dagmar 
 
122 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 admires him. I noticed that Dr. Voss does not hke 
 him." 
 
 " What a delightful face Dr. Voss has ! He has 
 been very good to Daisy." 
 
 " He is a clever man, and evidently he admires my 
 sister." 
 
 " They all do. I can see that. Grant is also fasci- 
 nated," Byrd laughed. 
 
 To her all was innocent fun. Kilian felt it. He 
 was glad that the shallowness of some of the guests 
 were quite hidden from her. 
 
 "Dagmar has had such a sad life that she turns 
 eagerly towards joy ; arid the quality of it, at present, 
 does not matter." 
 
 " You mean that Grant's little play was not very 
 deep ? " 
 
 He meant no such thing, but he allowed her to 
 think so. 
 
 " It was, of course, only a jeu d' esprit — nothing 
 more ; but it was very good." 
 
 " You would not imagine that Grant, who is so 
 grave, could invent such a funny thing. He will be 
 coming home soon, I suppose, and I fear that our 
 home life will appear dull to him. Still, I am deeply 
 grateful for your kindness." 
 
 Byrd paused, and looked up at her companion. 
 She noticed how grave he had become. 
 
 " You won't blame me for asking him ? " 
 
A VISITOR AT ANOTHER FARM 123 
 
 " Blame you ? Oh, no ! I can't thank you 
 enough." 
 
 They were nearing the bridge, and the noise of the 
 water rather impeded conversation. Suddenly the 
 moonlight shifted, and lighted upon a woman's figure 
 leaning over the rustic bridge, but Byrd was too far 
 off to distinguish her features. 
 
 " How strange ! " she said. " If we were super- 
 stitious we should say it was a ghost. How still the 
 lady remains ! Oh, I know ! She must be the lodger 
 at Mr. Plant's farm." 
 
 " It seems to me that there should be only one 
 person on that bridge," Kilian said, in his usual grave 
 manner, so that the idea of a personal compliment 
 seemed unnatural. 
 
 '' I have but little time to pose on a bridge, anyhow. 
 To-day has been a red-letter day, and I have enjoyed 
 myself immensely. How stupid of the village people 
 to shun the Countess ! " 
 
 " They would not understand her. You made 
 Daisy very happy." 
 
 " Because I love her." 
 
 "Yes, that is why she cannot love Dagmar. My 
 sister sees her own loss in every child." 
 
 " How strange ! If I had lost my child I should 
 love all children for her sake." 
 
 " You ! Yes, I believe you, but there are not many 
 like you." 
 
124 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 The figure on the bridge moved off and walked into 
 the shade of a birch grove. 
 
 In a few more moments Byrd was at home. . 
 
 " I won't come in now, but I will look in to- 
 morrow," he said, keeping her hand a moment in 
 his. 
 
 Byrd said " good night " and went in. Kilian 
 turned away, thrust his hands into his pockets, and 
 bent his head. The moonlight and the beauty were 
 nothing to him — he was deep in thought. Suddenly 
 the figure emerged again from the birch woods and 
 stood in front of him. Kilian looked up, and an 
 exclamation burst from him : — 
 
 " Good Heavens ! Where do you come from ? " 
 
 " I am staying at the farm above, and, like you, I 
 appreciate the moonlight." 
 
 " I did not know that you were here, or even in 
 England." 
 
 A silvery laugh was his answer. 
 
 " Maggie, what do you mean by coming here ? " 
 His voice trembled a little and he spoke very sternly. 
 " I went to London the other day, and I could hear 
 nothing of you." 
 
 " No news is good news, you thought, eh ? Who 
 were you walking with just now — Miss Leworthy ? " 
 
 Kilian was silent. 
 
 "Oh, sulky! Well, how's Daisy? I want to see 
 her." 
 
A VISITOR AT ANOTHER FARM 125 
 
 " How did you know that I was here ? " 
 
 " Very easily, through No, I won't tell you. 
 
 You always had a temper." 
 
 " Leave me ; you have no right to come here." 
 
 " Yes, I have. I want Daisy." 
 
 "You want her? That is a lie. If it had not been 
 for me, Daisy would " 
 
 "Don't excite yourself. I must see Daisy or " 
 
 " What nonsense ! You don't want her ! " 
 
 " I am not going down the combe. I am sleepy. 
 Good night." 
 
 Kilian looked about to see that Dagmar and the 
 Baron had not come on. He was alone with the 
 pretty woman. 
 
 " What are you doing now ? " 
 
 " Taking a holiday." 
 
 " Have you got an engagement ? " 
 
 " Presently. No hurry about that. I can get one 
 when I like." 
 
 "You have no right to come here," said Kilian 
 indignantly. 
 
 " England is a free country, and Daisy " 
 
 " I know you don't mean it, or I should " 
 
 He paused, his natural chivalry coming to his aid. 
 " Your sister is in clover now, anyhow 1 It's worth 
 
 marrying a rich man, if he dies ; but " 
 
 " We need not discuss my sister." 
 
 " Oh, you are proud now ! Don't be afraid. I 
 
126 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 shan't stay long in this deadly dull place. Won't 
 you take me home, Kilian ? " 
 
 Kilian did not deign to answer her, and walked off. 
 The pretty woman with fair, suspiciously fair hair, 
 paused, watched him into the shadow of the wood, 
 and then she turned away and walked towards the 
 upper farm. Byrd was standing on her balcony, and 
 saw her pass below. She did not know why, but she 
 watched her with much interest. To see any one here 
 was an unexpected event. Downstairs Mrs. Leworthy 
 was grumbling as usual. 
 
 "Well, Byrd, why did not Grant come ,back to- 
 day?" 
 
 " Oh, mother, he is so happy, and we must not 
 grudge him a little happiness." 
 
 " The Countess will make a fool of him, I dare say. 
 Those beautiful women are not to be trusted." 
 
 " Mother, she has known grief." 
 
 Mr. Leworthy looked up from his paper. 
 
 " Who brought you home, Byrd ? " 
 
 Byrd mentioned her escort. 
 
 " The Baron Villeroy ! " repeated her father. " How 
 do I know that name ? Do you remember it, mother?" 
 
 " I have never known many foreigners. There are 
 not in our line." 
 
 " Villeroy," repeated Mr. Leworthy ; then he re- 
 lapsed into silence over his newspaper, and Mrs. 
 Leworthy found other subjects of complaint. 
 
A VISITOR AT ANOTHER FARM 127 
 
 Byt-d was fully occupied in combating them, but 
 her brightness was unfailing. She was happy herself, 
 and the discontented tone did not trouble her own 
 communings, which ran somewhat in these words : — 
 
 " It is too strange ! I thought that when we came 
 here we should be buried alive, and I have found 
 more amusement than I did at Ashley. I wonder if 
 Grant has really found his vocation ! Oh, he likes 
 working for the Countess 1 She is beautiful and 
 charming when she looks beseechingly at one ; even 
 I feel as if I should do everything she wants me to do. 
 The Baron is very clever and amusing, but he is not 
 as nice as an Englishman, of course. I much prefer 
 Dr. Voss, though he does not say much when the 
 Baron is close by. I wonder why Mr. Tresiddar says 
 such nice things in that quiet tone, as if he did not 
 mean them for me ? Of course, he does not mean 
 them. He is one of those men who are kind to all 
 women. He has been good to Grant, and encouraged 
 him. I wonder if Daisy will go back with him ? 
 Why didn't he have her with him before ? I expect 
 his wife died when Daisy was born, for he never 
 mentions her. He was very fond of her, of course, 
 and she of him. He is a man whom one could love. 
 I wish Daisy was not so much with all these grown- 
 up people. I wonder if he would trust me with her ? 
 I should love to have her here." 
 
 It was a long time before Byrd went to sleep that 
 
128 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 lovely May evening. She thought over the lovely 
 cliff walk and the merry chatter, but she lingered 
 longest over the evening walk home with Mr. 
 Tresiddar. Her hazel eyes shone brightly as she 
 gazed out on the trees. Suddenly she heard the 
 nightjar's cry, and she closed her window and went 
 to bed. 
 
CHAPTER XIII 
 FASHIONING LIVES 
 
 Charles, Baron Villeroy, was a man who, as 
 
 biographers are fond of saying, " united many qualities 
 
 in his own person ''. In the first place, he was extremely 
 
 handsome, though he was nearer forty than thirty. 
 
 His high forehead was not much hidden, for his dark 
 
 hair was somewhat thin. His eyes, of a deep blue, 
 
 seemed to see everything at once, and his remarks 
 
 were clever and always to the point. His manners 
 
 were irreproachable, and he could speak half a dozen 
 
 languages equally well. He fascinated women because 
 
 he paid them, not too much, but just the right amount 
 
 of attention. Dagmar had seen a good deal of him 
 
 at Nice, but she had also met him once before her 
 
 husband's death, when she was almost a prisoner in 
 
 her own house because of her husband's jealous 
 
 tyranny.- The Baron had pitied her much, and he 
 
 had been able to give her unperceived sympathy. 
 
 So Dagmar was grateful, and she expressed her silent 
 
 thanks by inviting him to her house. Dagmar's life 
 
 had not well prepared her for suddenly finding herself 
 
 (129) 9 
 
130 SENT TO COVENTEY 
 
 her own mistress. Had her child lived she would 
 soon have found out at Nice that a rich widow can 
 only too easily fall a prey to unprincipled suitors. All 
 that was good in Dagmar, her impulsive kindness 
 and her generosity, prevented her from being a good 
 judge of character. She felt that Providence had 
 been unjust to her by taking from her the one being 
 whom she had loved. 
 
 She sometimes thought vaguely of marrying again, 
 but she realised that she had not much heart to give 
 away. Who would marry a woman unable to love? 
 This was the question she asked herself, and she could 
 not realise that her money would attract adventurers 
 quite as much as her beauty would create lovers. 
 She loved Kilian and believed in him, but Kilian was 
 not wise as she esteemed wisdom, so his advice did 
 not weigh much with her. Certainly the Baron was 
 not an adventurer, for he had estate? in Belgium and_ 
 was evidently well off. His attentions merely meant 
 that he admired her beauty, and Dagmar was so truly 
 a woman that she could not blame him for such good 
 taste. The difficulty was that though she admired 
 him as a clever man of the world, she did not love 
 him. He and her other guests served to make her 
 forget Nettie, and where was the harm ? 
 
 To be good-natured was easy to her. She enjoyed 
 giving pleasure, especially when it cost her nothing. 
 In the same way, Byrd Leworthy had struck her 
 
FASHIONING LIVES 131 
 
 fancy, and she had immediately held out to her the 
 hand of friendship. The task was easy. Byrd was 
 lonely and she could easily give her society. Her 
 brother wanted bringing out, and she, with her 
 woman's tact and her woman's beauty, could rouse 
 him. Why not? Long ago she had paid dearly for 
 wealth and position. She shivered a little even now 
 when she remembered the life with her elderly and 
 tyrannical husband. She had sold herself without 
 quite understanding what the bargain meant ; but 
 that time was over, and she was free. She would be 
 careful, and judge and weigh, before she was again 
 taken in. 
 
 This was Dagmar's meditation the next morning 
 as, arrayed in a blue cashmere gown, she walked 
 down the steps of the castle and stood gazing at the 
 sea. She was an early riser. The house-party 
 preferred comfortable beds ; there was, she knew, 
 only one who could disturb her, an'd in a few moments 
 he was by her side. 
 
 " Kilian ! Do you ever go to bed ? But I am glad. 
 I want to talk to you. Tell me what you think of 
 Byrd Leworthy. Last night she seemed like a sweet 
 angel amongst us all. Can you imagine her at Monte 
 Carlo?" 
 
 "No; certainly not ! I could hardly bear to see 
 her among all your friends — Dr. Voss and her own 
 brother excepted." 
 
132 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 Dagmar laughed. 
 
 " You know, Kilian, that you are a great Puritan in 
 spite of — I mean that you have always kicked against 
 common, out-of-door life. Honestly, what harm do 
 you see in these people? The Baron is the most 
 perfect gentleman I have ever met, besides being 
 clever and fascinating. I'm not fascinated ; don't be 
 afraid. Poor Leopardi is cracked on the subject of 
 Italian patriotism, I suppose, because he never goes 
 near his country. Herr Haleborg may not go back 
 to his fatherland, because there is a special decree 
 out against him as a political offender. That alone, 
 you must own, makes him interesting, and he and his 
 stupid daughter must live somewhere. The Fontenays 
 are so comical, because they are all so alike, and their 
 one object in life is to amuse themselves — a very 
 harmless object, after all ; and, honestly, isn't it the 
 object of everybody ? Only some don't know how to 
 do it, and so they make dulness a duty. You, for 
 instance, if you were wise, would settle down with a 
 wife. You could do that on your present income ; but 
 then you would still have grinding work. And lastly, 
 if you were wise, you would send that child away." 
 
 Kilian's face was pale and thoughtful this morning. 
 He looked as if he had not slept, but he smiled at his 
 sister's long speech. 
 
 " It is easy to give advice, isn't it ? It is my turn 
 now to give you some." 
 
FASHIONING LIVES 133 
 
 " Do, though I don't need it" 
 
 "In the first place, if I were not here, you would be 
 laying yourself open to — to remarks." 
 
 " Whose, pray ? That old silly squire and the Miss 
 Jeffs? Byrd Leworthy is too sweet and delightful 
 to dream of sermons." 
 
 " The talking world is everywhere. Then about 
 the Baron. He is very attentive to you." 
 
 " And you are very attentive to Miss Leworthy ! I 
 don't blame you. I only wish that " 
 
 " Let us keep to one subject at a time. Do you 
 mean to marry him ? " 
 
 " Marry him ? Oh, no ! I don't love him." 
 
 Dagmar sat down now on the rustic seat, and the 
 weight of her sadness fell again upon her. 
 
 " Kilian, you know that I loved Nettie — nobody 
 else and nothing else. But why not let me enjoy life 
 a little ? The Baron likes this place — only for a short 
 while, of course. He likes saying pretty things to 
 me, and I like hearing them, because they amuse me. 
 What else matters ? " 
 
 " Life matters. What shall you do with your 
 life?" 
 
 " Try not to make another mistake, and try also to 
 keep you from doing the same." 
 
 "Look here, Dagmar, you are on the border of 
 another life, and if you will forgive such an old simile, 
 you are on the edge of a precipice. Don't throw 
 
134 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 yourself into a quagmire when you might be such a 
 power for good." 
 
 " Me ! Oh no, no, never. He took it all out of me. 
 Kilian, I hated him so much that it made me a 
 heartless woman, it took away all my ideals — that is, 
 if I ever had any." 
 
 " But you can use your money for good." 
 
 " Could I ? Just for a moment I see that in perspec- 
 tive, but then I say, no ; have I earned wealth through 
 misery merely t6 make others happy, and never- 
 never have any happiness of my own ? No, Kilian ; 
 at all events, not yet." 
 
 Kilian turned his head away, and there was a 
 silence between them. 
 
 Then Dagmar rose quickly, and crossed her arms 
 and smiled. 
 
 " What shall we do to-day ? A boat — a boat unto 
 the ferry, and we'll go over and be merry." 
 
 " I want you to tell Veal to look after Daisy a little. 
 She must not go out. I am going for a long walk ; 
 I feel that I need it. Your guests are too entertaining 
 and too desultory. They are not bracing tonic." 
 
 " I suppose that you will go to Combeside Farm," 
 said the Countess, with a smile of amusement on her 
 red lips. 
 
 " No, farther off. I won't come in to lunch. By 
 the way, is Grant Leworthy going away ? " 
 
 "No, I've persuaded him to stay another week 
 
FASHIONING LIVES 135 
 
 and to write another little play. He really is very 
 clever." 
 
 "Take care, Dagmar, he's a man." 
 
 " No, Kilian ; excuse me, he's a cripple." 
 
 " With a nian's heart." 
 
 "He needs a little education in that line. He 
 wouldn't write if he had no experience of " 
 
 " For his sister's sake, take care." 
 
 The Countess paused, and then she added : — 
 
 " She is a sweet child. Kilian, what a wife for you ! 
 Let me return your words : take care ! How that girl 
 would love ! " 
 
 "She could not love me." 
 
 " Oh ! I rather think she could ! Try." 
 
 "But, Dagmar, you forget I have duties towards 
 Daisy, and that it is impossible." 
 
 Dagmar shrugged her shoulders. 
 
 " Go off for your walk, and as you come back call 
 on the woodland Byrd and tell her to come to-morrow. 
 We'll put off the boat till then. The Baron is just as 
 happy strolling about these lovely grounds, and Grant 
 is happier." 
 
 " Shall I say that ? " 
 
 " Say that I want the Byrd to-morrow. To-day 
 I'll amuse myself. Gh, yes, I'll tell Veal about that 
 child. The Fontenays have taken a liking to Daisy." 
 
 " Poor little scrap ! She had better be alone. Visitors 
 excite her too much." 
 
136 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 " That child is too pretty. It's a great pity." 
 
 Kilian turned away. 
 
 " What about breakfast ? " said Dagmar. 
 
 " Oh, I've had mine. Good-bye, till this evening." 
 
 " I'm writing to ask Dr. Voss to come. Do you know 
 Kilian, that report says Miss Dulcie Jeff adores him ? 
 Oh, I wish I could ask her here to see the fun. 
 Imagine that quiet, amusing man being run after ! 
 Why, he is quite impervious to my smiles." 
 
 " Don't play with human pieces." 
 
 " Do you want me to make mud-pies ? " 
 
 But Kilian was gone, and she heard his departing 
 steps going down the hill towards the lower path. 
 This time he did not go by the private way up the 
 glen, for there Byrd's presence seemed to dwell. He 
 walked out of the grounds, and went on towards the 
 village, so as to take the public path through the 
 wood. At the pier he met Dr. Voss talking to the 
 Squire. Both were early birds. It was difficult to 
 avoid an introduction, and the Squire had to grunt in 
 return for the Doctor's faint " Mr. Tresiddar," but 
 Kilian's quiet and contained manner could give no 
 umbrage even to the irascible squire. 
 
 " Are you going for an early walk ? " asked Dr. Voss. 
 
 " Yes, up on the moors." 
 
 " Thank goodness we have still some wild places," 
 said the Squire. "Tourists can't come here, for I 
 don't allow the village people to take them in. They 
 
FASHIONING LIVES 137 
 
 ask me every year, and every year I say no. Tourists 
 can go to " 
 
 " Come, Squire, don't give them a hot location," said 
 Dr. Voss, smiling, and Kilian thought for the first 
 time that this retired doctor was not half a bad fellow. 
 
 " They shan't bring babies and bathing-gowns here. 
 Why, it wouldn't be fit for our ladies to take a morning 
 walk on the shore if they did. Though one thing is 
 that our shore would be purgatory to tourists." 
 
 " These boulders are our natural defence ; let us be 
 thankful," answered the Doctor. 
 
 " Thankful ! You've to thank me first. Happily, 
 
 I own more than half the houses, and so — Hulloa, 
 
 Voss, there's one of your ladies panting with desire to 
 see you," and with a grunt of scornful amusement, the 
 Squire retired to his own grounds. 
 
 It was too true. Dulcie Jeff, red as a peony, was 
 running towards the Doctor. 
 
 " Oh, dear Dr. Voss, how thankful I am to have 
 found you ! I know you like an early walk on this 
 beautiful shore." 
 
 "Mr. Tresiddar," interrupted the Doctor, "Miss 
 Dulcie Jeff." 
 
 " Oh, how do you do ? You are the father of that 
 sweet child whom our clever doctor has saved from 
 the jaws of death. We were so anxious, Dora and I, 
 because we knew how many terrible hours he spent 
 by her bedside." 
 
138 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 " I am very grateful," said Kilian, hiding a smile. 
 
 "What should we do without you? You don't 
 know, Mr. Tresiddar, that he saved " 
 
 " What do you want me for, Miss Jeff? " 
 
 " Oh, it's about dear papa. This morning he com- 
 plained of drowsiness, and so I asked him, on my 
 knees — yes, literally on my knees — not to get up till 
 I could find you, and I have been racing about every- 
 where trying to find you." 
 
 " I expect you roused him too soon," said the 
 Doctor shortly. 
 
 " Perhaps it was so. I was looking at his dear, 
 sleeping face, and thinking how like a pure angel he 
 looked. I held his cup of tea — Dora always makes it 
 with her own hands at six — and I did not dare breathe 
 for fear of waking him ; and then, unfortunately, I 
 dropped the cup." 
 
 " Excuse me, Mr. Tresiddar ; I will go and see the 
 General." 
 
 With the patience of more than an angel, Dr. Voss 
 turned back with Dulcie. 
 
 Kilian saw the lady's beaming face utter its 
 silent thanks, and he, at this moment, thanked her 
 for her filial devotion, for he much preferred being 
 alone. 
 
 " Poor Voss ! though it is hard lines.'' 
 
 Then he resumed his walk, and looked at beautiful 
 nature with but half-seeing eyes. His ideas were all 
 
FASHIONING LIVES 
 
 13p 
 
 far below the surface. He could not derive comfort 
 from nature, for a deep problem was weighing him 
 down. In vain the primroses gazed at him and the 
 whortleberries nodded as the south wind passed by 
 them ; he did not see them. Kilian was going back 
 in his history. Now and then he paused to think, and 
 so still was he that a robin hopped close to, him on a 
 cushion of moss, and a squirrel scuttled across the 
 path not a yard off. If only he could make up his 
 mind, if 
 
 Gradually he ascended, taking tiny paths in the 
 oak wood, which every now and then forced him to 
 stoop down or to crawl through the tangled branches 
 on his knees. 
 
 At last he stood on the open road, a sandy road 
 leading right up into the moorland. Hills were all 
 around, and the great beacon on his left towered 
 above them in lonely majesty. They were free, free 
 in following an unchanging law. This must be the 
 only true freedom in life, if man could but understand 
 it. His freedom could only be obtained by a perfect 
 following of God's way. But when the freedom has 
 been lost, in what way could man regain it ? Through 
 accepting punishment, and through trying to undo 
 the evil which he has committed ? Can evil be 
 remedied ? Is man bound to suffer for his sins ? 
 Must he inflict suffering on others ? Life is full of 
 such problems ; they reappear and thrust themselves 
 
140 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 before a man, and at last he bows his head and owns 
 that God is a righteous Judge, but still a Judge. 
 
 At last Kilian reached a spot whence he could 
 catch a sight of Combeside Farm ; but this was not 
 now his destination, and he moved further to the right, 
 choosing an out-of-the-way path, until he could 
 plunge almost knee-deep into heather, and make his 
 way straight to the other upland farm, which, unlike 
 Combeside, was placed in a green hollow, and entirely 
 devoid of view. 
 
 He knocked at the door, and the farmer's wife 
 opened to him. She was quite a common woman, 
 having been Mr. Plant's servant before she became his 
 wife. A fat Devonshire lass originally, she was now 
 a fat, buxom matron. 
 
 " Is there a lady lodging here ? " 
 
 " Yes, sir. I hard hur was in bed. I'll go ta vetch 
 hur." 
 
 "-No ; wait a moment, Mrs. " 
 
 " Plant. I'm weel nawd 'n here, sir." 
 
 " Well, Mrs. Plant, tell the lady that I am going to 
 yonder little wood, and I'll wait for her there." 
 
 He did not wait for an answer, but walked back. 
 Of course, Mrs. Plant repeated the episode to her farm 
 maid, adding the sequel that, when the lady was told 
 the visitor had not come in, "hur gied the awfulst 
 cuss, and didn't sim as if hur'd gie the word'l ta go to 
 the wood ; but hur went ". 
 
FASHIONING LIVES 141 
 
 An hour later, when Byrd was sitting reading on 
 her balcony — her book was only a cookery book, for 
 Patty was an indifferent cook — she saw Mr. Tresiddar 
 coming down the hill. His step was brisk, and there 
 was a smile on his face. Byrd's heart beat faster as 
 he raised his hat, and she knew that she blushed as 
 she ran down the wooden stairs. 
 
CHAPTER XIV 
 
 ■ THE EVEN BALANCE 
 
 Is there some malignant spirit who tangles the threads 
 of men's and women's lives, or does each human being 
 make his own entanglement ? Are all events ordered 
 for good, or are some allowed to follow their own 
 sweet wills, which all too soon turn to bitterness? 
 As long as we grope our own way blindly in this 
 world of shadows, so long will these questions be 
 asked. 
 
 When Dagmar reached the castle, in company with 
 the Baron, the old longing for some excitement took 
 possession of her. 
 
 She strolled out alone upon the terrace of the castle, 
 and the moonlight enveloped her. Then she laughed, 
 for at that moment she heard the gentle tap of Grant's 
 crutches upon the gravel. 
 
 " I wanted you, and you appear ! Do you know that 
 
 you and Byrd are the two most delightful beings in 
 
 the world ? You are always at hand when wanted. 
 
 :^<But it is too chilly for you here ; if you won't take 
 
 Care of yourself, I must do it for you." 
 
 (142) 
 
THE EVEN BALANCE 143 
 
 " I should always obey you," said Grant in a low 
 tone. 
 
 Dagmar laughed again. There was not a trace of 
 sadness about her now. 
 
 "Very well, take my arm and come into the 
 drawing-room. All those horribly strong men are in 
 the billiard-room, and my brother is mooning over — 
 his own thoughts, or over Daisy." 
 
 The drawing-room was at this moment a sort of 
 paradise to poor Grant. 
 
 " I've been working at fever heat," he said. " Oh, 
 do you know what your kindness has done for me? 
 It has made me known to myself I thought that I 
 had something in me, but no one else thought so. 
 Byrd thinks duty superior to self-development — su- 
 perior even to — to love." 
 
 " Oh ! Byrd is just a sweet little angel, a woman 
 who will be worshipped by a man and make his 
 happiness." 
 
 " Do you think so ? " Grant paused. " I don't. 
 A man wants a woman who takes him out of himself 
 — out of the commonplace world." 
 
 " Let me prophesy. You have genius, Mr. L^worthy. 
 You will work, and people will whisper your name 
 everywhere, and then shout it out, and then you will 
 have fame. Now, will you believe me if I tell you 
 this will be so ? " 
 
 " I will believe everything you say — but that." 
 
144 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 " Then let me turn it another way, and tell you that 
 ambition is far above — above love to a man. He 
 cares more to make a name than to worship a goddess." 
 
 " No, no, it is false. A man cares more for the 
 woman he loves than for anything else on earth, 
 or " 
 
 " Remember Byrd. Hush, you foolish boy ! " 
 
 " Why don't you call me Grant ? When you say it 
 there is some music in that ugly name." 
 
 " It is charming, Grant. Yes, I like it. Now let 
 me entreat you to work." 
 
 " Oh, if— if I could ! " 
 
 " Why can't you ? " 
 
 " Because this gleam of — ambition you call it, will 
 flee away when I leave this enchanted castle." 
 
 He tried to speak lightly and succeeded badly. 
 Dagmar was possessed by the spirit of evil. 
 
 " The castle is very near the farm," she said. " Do 
 you mean to forsake me for ever ? " 
 
 " Do I mean ? " He crossed his arms. " You don't 
 know what it all means to me." 
 
 Alas ! she knew it very well, and was only amused. 
 
 " It is good for his ambition," she said to herself. 
 " How can a man write who has not loved — and 
 suffered ? " 
 
 She crossed the room and placed the softest hand 
 upon Grant's shoulder. 
 
 "Grant, let me be a second mother to you. Let 
 
THE EVEN BALANCE 145 
 
 me command you to work and to succeed. I will 
 help you. Money can unlock a good many gates." 
 
 Grant blushed like a girl. 
 
 " Money ! No, it can do nothing in a case like mine." 
 
 " Then what can ? " Dagmar looked dreamily out 
 of the window, but she was not at all in a dreamy 
 mood. 
 
 " Oh, only one thing — one thing." 
 
 " What is that ? " She was torturing him, and she 
 smiled. 
 
 " Love," he said desperately. " To love one above 
 all others." 
 
 " Why shouldn't you ? " she answered, in the same 
 dreamy manner. 
 
 " Why, why — oh, do you ask that ? " 
 
 " Love hurts no one." 
 
 " But the giver." 
 
 " No, no, the Bible says ' It is more blessed to give 
 than to receive '. Come, Grant, be advised. Put away 
 all such ideas — for the present — and work only." Her 
 soft white hand was still on his shoulder. He seized 
 • it, and kissed it passionately. His was the passion of 
 a self-centred, solitary nature. 
 
 Dagmar did not at once take away her hand. 
 On the contrary, she liked the feeling that she had 
 awakened in this torpid soul. The idea that she 
 could return it was, of course, absurd. He, even he, 
 
 could not think so ; but why should he not love an 
 
 10 
 
146 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 ideal ? Footsteps, happily for Grant, were heard. 
 She gently stroked his hand as he released hers. 
 
 The Baron entered. 
 
 He was so easy in his manner, so courteous, so 
 polished, that glancing, as Dagmar did, at the two, 
 she felt that there was no comparison between the 
 two men. 
 
 " Strange that those gentlemen like to tap balls all 
 the evening," she said. " Go and get the guests back, 
 Grant," she added softly, "we will have some music. 
 These evening walks disorganise everything." 
 
 Grant obeyed. That duty, at least, was easy. 
 
 The Baron looked at Dagmar a moment in silence. 
 
 "Why do you call that calf by his Christian name?" 
 
 " A clever boy. I like him. I mean to make his 
 fame and fortune." 
 
 " Indeed ! Then Venus will be busy for some 
 months to come." 
 
 Dagmar was not any longer dealing with a boy. 
 
 " Yes, if I stay here as long as ' some months,' " she 
 answered laughing. " Do you know. Baron, that some- 
 times I feel that nothing on earth is worth doing ? " 
 
 " Ah ! Don't you English call that ' Divine dis- 
 content ' ? " 
 
 " Hardly ! Look, I have everything I want. That 
 is, everything that money can buy, and yet — that 
 little country girl, with her sweet, meek face, is far 
 happier than I am." 
 
THE EVEN BALANCE 147 
 
 " Because you are formed for better things than 
 making butter. A woman's beauty is not made to be 
 hidden, but to shine and to carry all before her." 
 
 The Countess got up and walked slowly up and 
 down in deep thought. The idea of Byrd had 
 brought her back to a better feeling. Her good 
 angel lingered a moment on the wing. 
 
 " I came here for solitude, and I have filled this 
 house with all you light-hearted folk," she said 
 bitterly. 
 
 " Because your instinct is right. You divine 
 women lose your charm in solitude." 
 
 " Do you think so ? " 
 
 " Most certainly. You would become like your 
 little milkmaid — a philosopher in petticoats, an ab- 
 normal growth, a being not to be countenanced for 
 a moment." 
 
 " I dbn't aspire to philosophy, except when Kilian 
 is tiresome." 
 
 "Your brother wishes to domineer over you." 
 
 " Oh, don't speak against him. He is, in his way, 
 the best man I have ever known. None of you can 
 compare with him." 
 
 The Baron bowed. 
 
 " I shall not chance comparison. But listen to me, 
 lovely Countess. I know your wants better than you 
 know them yourself You suffered from " 
 
 Dagmar waved her hand impatiently. 
 
148 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 " Don't mention the past." 
 
 " Very well ; you suffer now from a great feeling 
 of ennui. Only one thing can cure that." 
 
 "What is that?" 
 
 " Life — life with me." 
 
 He spoke so quietly that Dagmar did not exclaim, 
 and she even began to consider the question. Then 
 she burst out laughing. 
 
 " Is that an offer of marriage ? " 
 
 " Certainly ! " 
 
 " No protestations, no fine language of love ? " 
 
 "You would not appreciate them. Besides, after 
 a certain age every one calculates. You calculate 
 that you will be spared from boredom, and I cal- 
 culate that I shall have a rich and beautiful wife." 
 
 " Is that all ? " said Dagmar, with a sigh. 
 
 " All ! That is all you ask for. You have often 
 declared that you cannot love." 
 
 " Oh ! but is it true ? Is there something that will 
 touch my heart, is there some man great enough, to 
 make me admire him apart from the old, old question 
 of love ? " 
 
 " None, Countess. Believe me, I have seen life, 
 much life." 
 
 " I dare say you are right. Even Kilian tries me 
 with his theories ; and Byrd, too, with her placid 
 goodness, would bore me to death after twelve 
 months." 
 
THE EVEN BALANCE 149 
 
 "Just so. You had better settle at once to say 
 'yes'." 
 
 Dagmar might have said "yes" at that moment if 
 the door had not opened, and if Kilian had not 
 entered. Dagmar saw at once he was in trouble, 
 and she did her best to bring the evening to a close 
 earlier than usual, whispering as she gave her. hand 
 to her brother : — 
 
 " Come and talk to me ". 
 
CHAPTER XV 
 
 ON THE EVE 
 
 " Dagmar, it's all up with me ! I have met her." 
 
 " The woman you can love. I thought so." 
 
 " No, no, I mean Maggie." 
 
 " Good gracious ! Maggie ! I thought that she had 
 been swallowed up." 
 
 " No ; she is staying in a farm above Combeside." 
 
 Dagmar was dressed in a pink dressing-gown. She 
 looked so beautiful as she threw herself back in the 
 arm-chair, that even Kilian noticed it. 
 
 " Look here, you and I are the most unfortunate 
 people on the face of the world ! You married with- 
 out love, and I " 
 
 "You made a fool of yourself! But, Kilian, do be 
 guided by me. Maggie might once have been saved, 
 but now " 
 
 " She is Daisy's mother, and I promised to " 
 
 " Nonsense ! Legally you are free." 
 
 " I gave Maggie a promise." 
 
 " No woman could hold you to your promise after 
 
 all that has taken place." 
 
 (150) 
 
ON THE EVE 151 
 
 " No woman. She would, and — she will." 
 
 " What nonsense ! Take my advice, ask Byrd to 
 be your wife." 
 
 Kilian looked at Dagmar, as if he wished to take 
 in her words. 
 
 " And tell her everything ? " 
 
 " Ah, well, I don't know. Byrd is very innocent, 
 and — well, a country girl." 
 
 " A noble woman with a noble heart." 
 
 "Fine words butter no parsnips. If she knew every- 
 thing I can believe that she would say 'No'. It is all 
 your own fault for hunting up Daisy. After all " 
 
 " The child was so neglected ! Her own mother 
 did not care one straw for her." 
 
 " Oh, Kilian, if I could help you ! " Dagmar looked 
 a true woman at that moment. 
 
 "Thank you, but I never guessed that — that I 
 should fall in love again, and this time " 
 
 " Ask Byrd first and tell her afterwards. I know 
 a woman's mind — she will think you are a martyr. 
 We are all really martyrs when things turn out as 
 we don't intend they should." 
 
 " I am not worthy of Byrd. She is so unlike the other." 
 
 " The first thing is to get her, and the next to get 
 that odious creature away ! The two must not meet. 
 Do you really think, Kilian, th^t if you kept your 
 promise the compact would last for an hour?" 
 
 " I might reform her," 
 
152 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 Dagmar laughed. 
 
 " I did not think you were a simpleton as well as a 
 Now, it is late, let's go to sleep, and to-morrow 
 
 Byrd shall spend a long day here. Dr. Voss is coming 
 to dine, and we shall have a merry evening." 
 " You can easily throw off your cares." 
 " Can I ? I don't know what I can do. But never 
 mind me, I want to see you happy at all events." 
 
 " Happy ! I should be in heaven with her, but " 
 
 Dagmar would not let him argue again. When 
 she was left alorte, she stood by the moonlit window 
 and thought deeply. 
 
 Kilian was happier than she was ; he was in love 
 with a good woman, and she — she cared for nobody, 
 but meditated a rash step, a life of empty pleasure ; 
 for with the Baron it could be nothing else. Yet, 
 deep down in her heart, she knew that she too was 
 capable of being a good woman, she too was capable 
 of rising into a saint — or falling much lower down. 
 
 Byrd, in her upland farm, also stood in the moon- 
 light, and a smile of happiness hovered over her lips. 
 Then she looked up into the clear sky and realised 
 that life is not a mere chance thing, that God orders 
 all the lives of His creatures, and that even a sparrow 
 is of value in His sight. The spiritual has in truth 
 more power than the carnal ; the steps to heaven may 
 be steep, but during the journey the angelic vision 
 makes the pilgrim forget the labour of the way. 
 
ON THE EVE 153 
 
 She felt that some strong bond of sympathy was 
 cemented between her and Mr. Tressidar ; she knew 
 now that she was in love, in love as she had never 
 believed it possible to be. A great rush of passion 
 passed over her spirit, for every woman can love in 
 this manner once in her life ; a manner which does 
 not depend on the stirring of the senses, but on the 
 spiritual exaltation of the higher nature, a love which 
 finds it easy to lay down its life for the loved one. 
 
 Byrd realised it now at the very moment when 
 Kilian was talking of her at the castle. She knew 
 that spiritually, at all events, she belonged to him, 
 and that all that he cared for she must love. This was, 
 perhaps, the secret of her feeling for Daisy. Then 
 she hid her face in her hands and heard the nightjar's 
 croak, and the stillness magnified the sound into some- 
 thing ominous. He had not yet told her that he loved 
 her ; how did she dare to own it to herself? 
 
 The next morning rose in all loveliness from the 
 canopy of night. Every bud and every tree, every 
 bird and every rill, appeared to shout for joy, and 
 the blackbird's liquid notes spoke only of joy. 
 
 " All things in one another's being mingle," thought 
 Byrd ; but there was the morning's prosaic matters to 
 see after, and the prose got the best of it. 
 
 Still, even as she went about helping the servant, 
 she appeared to be walking on air. 
 
 " I wish Grant would come home," said Mrs. Le- 
 
154 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 worthy. " I don't see how any good can come of his 
 running after grand people ! " 
 
 "Poor Grant can't run, mother," said Byrd, on this 
 day able to see something funny in all complaints. 
 
 ' That is all the more reason his own mother should 
 warn him. Then your father looks ill, though he 
 never complains. It is very selfish of people not to 
 mention their feelings.'' 
 
 " You can't complain of many persons on that 
 account ! " 
 
 " How little you can understand me, Byrd ! When 
 you have gone through all the trouble that I have 
 gone through, then " 
 
 " I hope I shall be as really good as you are, mother 
 dear ! Oh ! look, there is the garden boy from the 
 castle. He is bringing a note from Grant." 
 
 Even as Byrd said this her heart beat a little quicker. 
 
 It might be a note for her, and it was. 
 
 Dear Little Byrd, 
 
 Come to me to-day as soon as you can. I want you, I am 
 in perplexity. You must stay to dinner and sleep here, and then 
 you and Grant shall be driven home to-morrow morning. Tell your 
 mother that no one ever refuses me, and she must not be the first. 
 
 Truly your friend, 
 
 Dagmar. 
 
 " It's all nonsense about her wanting you with a 
 houseful of people, Byrd. You had much better stay 
 at home." ' 
 
 Byrd's heart sank. 
 
 " Let me go, mother, and kiss me," 
 
ON THE EVE 155 
 
 " If you will go, then pray do so, but I don't approve 
 of all this visiting." 
 
 Byrd's soul cried for a mother's sympathy. Oh, 
 she knew that her mother loved her, but she never 
 helped her, never showed it. Some one has said, 
 " We must accept ourselves as we are," but much 
 more must we accept our own family as they are. 
 
 " Mother I'll stay " 
 
 " Oh, pray don't consider me ; I'm used to loneliness. 
 In fact, you had better go and bring back Grant. He 
 will be doing something foolish." 
 
 So after midday meal Byrd packed up her evening 
 dress, which was of simple white cashmere with blue 
 trimming, and went, but her sunlight had been put 
 out by her mother. 
 
 At the castle, however, the Countess was all smiles 
 and light-heartedness. The guests had all gone except 
 the Baron and Grant. The two brothers had been 
 called away to their mother-in-law's deathbed, and the 
 Germans had been going in any case, but Dagmar 
 was in a mood to make light of everything. 
 
 " My sweet Byrd ! Now I am happy. Your brother 
 is locked into his room composing. Kilian has gone 
 out for a few hours on business, but he will be in to tea. 
 He was so delighted to think you were coming. The 
 Baron is stalking something ; he always is." 
 
 Byrd blushed, and Dagmar saw the blush out ot 
 the corner of her eyes, 
 
156 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 " It's all right, she is in love, and Kilian will be happy, 
 and it will not matter what I do," she said to herself. 
 
 " Mother did not wish me to come, though some- 
 times she is glad to have my lonely life broken into." 
 
 Byrd's face was grave. 
 
 " My dear child, your mother would like you to do 
 nothing for yourself, always for others ! We are all 
 like that with you. I want you for myself and " 
 
 " What do you want of me ? " 
 
 " Your advice. What shall I do with my life ? " 
 
 " Oh, with your money and your beauty you can 
 do so much." 
 
 " That's all very well, but shall I like ' so much ' ? 
 The truth is, Byrd, that I am a Bohemian. No — I 
 don't know that I am. I hated my marriage and I 
 loved — my child. Now I am dull if I am alone, and 
 I am dull in society. What is the matter with me ? " 
 
 " ' My heart is restless till it finds its rest in Thee,' " 
 whispered Byrd. 
 
 " Ah, isn't that beautiful ? At moments I feel it. 
 I could become a Sister of charity, or a cloistered 
 nun, and then at other times I know that I should 
 run away if I went into any place where I was kept 
 under lock and key. Sometimes also I could give all 
 my money to the poor, but the next week I know 
 that I should want it back again ! " 
 
 Byrd laughed. 
 
 " You want patience, I suppose." 
 
ON THE EVE 157 
 
 " Yes, that's it. Every one makes me feel impatient 
 — every one but you and Grant." 
 
 Byrd looked up. 
 
 " You have been very kind to him." 
 
 " Have I ? Well, I don't kijow. Tell me what to 
 do. You know I am ' a creature of a day that flutters 
 for an hour '. I am in the stage of the hour now — 
 I'm fluttering." 
 
 " ' Restless till ' " 
 
 " Don't, Byrd. Well, we will see. I am busy 
 writing to various publishers about Grant. I know 
 my money can do what my wits cannot. I don't 
 believe one of them will resist the gold." 
 
 " Oh, you have a bad opinion of your fellow- 
 creatures." 
 
 " Not of you ! Ah ! and even you We will 
 
 see. Now, Byrd, I shall make myself lovely this 
 evening to captivate " 
 
 "You captivate everybody." 
 
 " No, I want to — to captivate Dr. Voss." 
 
 " Oh, he is sterling gold ; but I rather imagine that 
 he is already captivated." 
 ' " He will find out that I am tinsel." 
 
 " But you are gold too, only " 
 
 "Only I am veneered with imitation something. 
 Yes, that is true." 
 
 For an instant she was grave ; then she stooped 
 down, kissed Byrd, and laughed. 
 
CHAPTER XVI 
 
 A MEMORABLE HOUR 
 
 Byrd looked at herself in the great pier-glass before 
 going down to dinner. It was not often that she 
 indulged in vanity, but to-night she wanted to see 
 herself with the eyes of others. 
 
 " Compared with the Countess," said Byrd, shaking 
 her head, " I am not worth looking at ; but I am not 
 
 ugly, and Oh dear ! how foolish I am ! Why 
 
 should one always be expecting something good when 
 one has so little right to expect anything? " 
 
 Her bright face was full of happiness, as, before 
 going down, she first turned into Daisy's room. 
 
 " Are you asleep, childie ? " 
 
 " I'm just near going to sleep, dear Byrd. Kiss me 
 and tuck me up. Aunt Dagmar never comes to tuck 
 me up, and father does it badly." 
 
 Byrd laughed and kissed the child. 
 
 " I love you with all my heart except the part I 
 give to father. Do you love him too, Byrd?" 
 
 "Everybody likes him," said Byrd, blushing, and glad 
 
 that Daisy had not asked this question in company. 
 
 (158) 
 
A MEMORABLE HOUR 159 
 
 Then she passed out of the room, and on the thres- 
 hold she met Kihan himself. 
 
 "You have been to see Daisy?" he said in a low 
 voice. 
 
 " Yes, just to say good night and to tuck her up." 
 
 " You are always good to her." 
 
 " She is expecting you." 
 
 Byrd motioned him to the room and ran downstairs. 
 Why did she feel so shy, she who had hardly before 
 known what the feeling meant ? 
 
 The drawing-room was lighted by the western 
 glow. The sun's track on the sea was transformed 
 into burnished gold, and the same colour seemed to 
 have been thrown over the young oaks. For a moment 
 Byrd forgot herself in the beauty of the world. 
 
 " Oh ! it is beautiful. Look, Grant." 
 
 Grant came up close to her. 
 
 " Have you seen the Countess ? " 
 
 " She is dressing. Has the Baron come down ? " 
 
 " No. Mr. Tressiddar is late, too." 
 
 " Dr. Voss has not come yet. We ought to have 
 two more ladies." 
 
 They both talked in a commonplace manner be- 
 cause both were wrapt up in their own thoughts. 
 
 At that moment Dr. Voss was announced. His tall 
 figure and his keen-looking face could not easily be 
 overlooked. He had had a great deal of trouble in 
 order to be here this evening. His sister had to be 
 
160 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 persuaded that his presence at the castle was necessary, 
 and it had even been more difficult to pass General 
 Jeffs house without being called in by Miss Dulcie or 
 Miss Dora. 
 
 Dr. Voss's quick glance searched the room. She 
 was not there, only the Leworthys. He felt uncom- 
 fortably conscious that the village was not behaving 
 kindly to them, and he felt still more conscious that 
 he was powerless to persuade Sophy to call on 
 them if Squire Hammond did not approve. This 
 feeling made the intercourse between them a little 
 reserved . 
 
 " How is Daisy, Miss Leworthy ? " 
 
 " Dear child, she is nearly well." 
 
 " And how pretty she is ! And that constitutes a 
 future fortune, so people say." 
 
 " That is hardly true," said Byrd, laughing. " I 
 have seen such ugly wives ! One in particular. 
 Whenever I look at her I say to myself: ' How did 
 Mr. Blake screw up his courage to propose ! ' " 
 
 " And what answer do you give to yourself? " 
 
 At this moment the door opened, and Dagmar 
 stood on its threshold looking so beautiful, and 
 dressed so superbly, that the sight seemed almost to 
 dazzle the three who were waiting for her. 
 
 She paused for a moment, and Dr. Voss came for- 
 ward. Grant felt intensely annoyed that he could 
 not do likewise. 
 
A MEMORABLE HOUR l6l 
 
 " So you have run the gauntlet, Dr. Voss," she said 
 merrily. " Well, I really do feel honoured." 
 
 "Do you mean to say that this is the first time 
 people have ' run the gauntlet ' to come and see you ? " 
 he said, pausing a moment so as to compel her to 
 . look at him. 
 
 " Well, yes, the gauntlet of good charitable ladies ! 
 Mr. Leworthy has done nothing so heroic." 
 
 Grant at this moment felt angry that he could not 
 proclaim his love for the Countess standing on Squire 
 Hammond's doorstep. 
 
 Then the Baron and Kilian entered together. 
 
 They both looked at Dagmar — who could help it ? 
 — then Kilian's eyes fell upon Byrd, and he heaved a 
 little sigh of relief. The very sight of her was restful. 
 
 " Dagmar is playing with fire," he thought, " and 
 yet she could be so different — not a Byrd, but " 
 
 He was at Byrd's side now, and she was perfectly 
 happy. Oh, surely he loved her ! Why had such 
 bliss come to her? Why had she rebelled against 
 coming to Combeside when this was in store for her ? 
 
 " Daisy sends you word that you forgot to kiss 
 Rosabella ! " he said smiliiig. 
 
 " How dreadful ! It is true, I forgot ! " 
 
 " We are two to four," said the Countess, " so newest 
 
 comers must have first chance. Kilian, take in Miss 
 
 Leworthy, and I shall victimise her brother." 
 
 Grant walked the distance from the two rooms upon 
 11 
 
162 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 enchanted ground, though Dagmar could only put a 
 light hand upon his arm. But at table she had Dr. 
 Voss near her. The Baron was not in the least put 
 out. • He watched Dagmar as one watches a strange 
 and original child, knowing that one word will stop 
 all the play. Dagmar was in such high spirits that 
 she was the life of the party, though Dr. Voss, once 
 roused, was the most brilliant talker of the male sex. 
 He now wondered how he had ever, ever dreamed of 
 poor Dulcie's affection. 
 
 " But what will Sophy say ? " 
 
 This was the chorus of his meditation. 
 
 Byrd and Kilian almost forgot the others. They 
 had such an interesting talk, varied by delicious 
 silence, and the others kindly did not seem to heed 
 them. Dagmar was going to keep all the three men 
 amused after dinner ; she had arranged that with 
 Kilian. 
 
 "Come into the shrubbery," said Mr. Tresiddar. 
 " From the summer-house one can see the shades of 
 evening falling. It is a literal truth, and nothing is 
 more beautiful to watch. Then the sun, after it has 
 set, often sets up faint rays right into the wide ex- 
 panse of the sky." 
 
 " If one could take in half the beauty one sees," 
 said Byrd ; " but this village is an earthly paradise." 
 
 Kilian took down a fur cloak from the stand in the 
 hall and wrapped Byrd round with it. 
 
A MEMORABLE HOUR l63 
 
 " I am not delicate," she said smiling, 
 
 " But you are precious — to me," he answered, in a 
 slow, quiet voice. 
 
 Again Byrd felt surprised. He said these things so 
 reflectively, as if he were talking to himself 
 
 She was silent. What could she say ? She could 
 only wait. 
 
 He did not speak again till they were in the 
 summer-house. 
 
 They stood motionless beside each other ; then he 
 said : — 
 
 " People who reflect much usually do the wrong 
 thing. I have reflected deeply lately. Shall I do the 
 wrong thing ? " 
 
 " What an insult to thought ! " said Byrd, trying to 
 laugh. 
 
 " Then let me throw it to the winds, Byrd. You 
 must know that — that I love you ! " 
 
 Byrd trembled. She was no longer the self- 
 possessed woman who had feared no one. 
 
 " Don't you know it ? " 
 
 " No," she said, for surely he ought to say it and 
 make her feel certain. 
 
 " Ah ! then I am more stupid than I imagined," he 
 laughed, but his merriment seemed forced and out of 
 place. 
 
 Byrd felt chilled ; she even made a step forward, 
 pretending to desire a better view of the shadows of 
 
164 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 sunshine than had passed away. Then the barrier 
 broke down, and Kilian showed his true feeling un- 
 restrained by thought, 
 
 " Byrd, Byrd, don't you know that I have been 
 checking the expression of my love because I feared 
 what you would say ? " 
 
 Byrd felt that she was being taken possession of 
 She knew that she was powerless before such love. 
 
 " I am a lonely man, Heaven knows how lonely ; 
 take pity on me, even if you cannot love me." 
 
 " Pity ! Oh," she said, " I— I— couldn't use that 
 word." 
 
 "But can you love me? Byrd, what matters! 
 Accept mine. I give you love, worship, all that a 
 man dare to give to one so infinitely above him ! " 
 
 Byrd shook her head, then she put her hand in his, 
 and his calmness returned. 
 
 " I love you. I seem always to have loved you," 
 she said. 
 
 " Don't say that ; it is not possible. I wish now 
 never .to die, because I have won your love. Byrd, 
 my darling, if you knew all the good which you are 
 doing ! " 
 
 She knew that she loved him ; that was all she 
 knew. 
 
 He folded her in his arms, and Byrd knew that to 
 her all other love in the world was weak in com- 
 parison. 
 
CHAPTER XVII 
 THE FIRST CHORD 
 
 Indoors the scene was more like a comedy. 
 
 Grant was speechless because of his mastering 
 love, hating himself for not saying brilliant things, 
 Dr. Voss carrying off the palm, and the Baron 
 paying compliments, which raised only scornful 
 smiles on Dagmar's lips. 
 
 " What motive power, do you think, moves a man 
 to accomplish the greatest enterprise ? " said Dagmar, 
 suddenly leaving off her banter. 
 
 " Love starts first, but ambition wins the race," said 
 the Baron. 
 
 " Maxims are placed in a hand-bag, which one is 
 not afraid of losing," said Dr. Voss. 
 
 " All maxims are false at some point," said Grant, 
 who had suffered from his mother's quaint moral 
 phrases. 
 
 " All great thoughts must originate in the heart," 
 
 said the Baron, placing his soft white hand on that 
 
 region of his corporeal map. 
 
 " By the way, the ideas implied by the word 
 (165) 
 
166 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 ' heart ' are false. All actions which are the outcome 
 of thought originate in the brain," said Dr. Voss. 
 
 " Discretion is worthless. Sentiment rules long 
 before reflection begins,'" said Grant savagely. 
 
 "And much good it does," said the Baron. "If 
 you want to win fortune in any form, work for it, do 
 not be prudent. Prudence kills everything." 
 
 " We hide ourselves behind prudence when we 
 don't want to be thought cowards," said Dr. Voss 
 smiling, " but in point of fact all men are cowards." 
 
 " You English people make mistakes in proclaim- 
 ing you love perfection in all things. I proclaim 
 that I love imperfection ! I would not give a gold 
 piece for a perfect woman." 
 
 "The idea of perfection differs in every one, and 
 it cannot be greater than the capacity for appreci- 
 ating it," said Dr. Voss a little scornfully. 
 
 " Oh ! you are all wrong," said Dagmar, rousing 
 herself. "There is no virtue to equal light-hearted- 
 ness ! What is the good of maxims and of wisdom, 
 if they are to be served up in vinegar sauce ? " 
 
 " We all wish to follow fine maxims, till the oppor- 
 tunity to do a mean thing occurs," said Dr. Voss ; " in 
 that case it is, perhaps, best to do it with a light heart." 
 
 " Give me wit and a merry heart and I'll give you 
 wisdom. That is a new maxim," said Dagmar. " But 
 what can Kilian and Byrd be doing? " Dagmar was 
 anxious to hear the result of the evening walk, 
 
THE FIRST CHORD l67 
 
 " Mooning," said Dr. Voss, pointing to a beautiful 
 rising moon. " Why should we not do likewise ? 
 We can compose maxims out of doors!" He knew 
 that the Baron feared the damp. 
 
 " I do not adore misty woods," said the Baron ; " I 
 want to live long and not to be rheumatic. Modera- 
 tion in all things is the best maxim of all." 
 
 " Moderation is the sign of mediocrity," said Grant 
 savagely. 
 
 " You two shall fight out that problem ! Come, 
 Dr. Voss, let us go and seek for the wanderers," said 
 the Countess. 
 
 She quickly opened a French window and stepped 
 out. Dr. Voss followed. Alone with Dagmar, the 
 wish to make maxims fled. 
 
 " Why do you let the Baron dictate to you ? " he 
 asked her suddenly. 
 
 " Why — because " Dagmar paused, then she 
 
 added, laughing, " because he wants to marry me ! " 
 
 " So do I," said Dr. Voss slowly. 
 
 Dagmar laughed. 
 
 " Two offers in one day, and neither of them made 
 with one spark of romance ! I call that too much 
 of a good thing ! You both seem to think it is 
 enough to ask me, irrespective of my wishes." 
 
 " I don't. I mean to do more. I mean to take no 
 refusal," he said quietly, "an Englishman never 
 does." 
 
168 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 " The Baron thinks likewise, and I know that he is 
 a very determined individual." 
 
 " And what do fou think? " 
 
 Dr. Voss stopped in the shadow of a wall, and 
 took Dagmar's hand in his. 
 
 " I want to love," she said very softly, " and I can't." 
 
 " Ah ! I thought so ! It is the punishment of 
 those who inspire passion too easily. Then I must 
 teach you to love." 
 
 " Oh, if you could ! " 
 
 " I will try." 
 
 " Before that time comes I shall " 
 
 She paused. 
 
 " You will have thrown away your chance of learn- 
 ing." 
 
 " Yes." 
 
 " Then I am wasting time ? " 
 
 "Yes, yes — at least — I think so! Oh, I like you, 
 
 and, and — but How would you like to leave this 
 
 place, and spend your life in trying to amuse me? " 
 
 She laughed again. 
 
 " I would not spend my life in trying. I would 
 make you love, and then the cure would be effected." 
 
 " Besides, your sister And oh ! No, I respect 
 
 you too much to love you, or to say I do." Dagmar 
 slipped her hand out of the Doctor's arm. " Let us 
 be friends, and let us not mix up love with friend- 
 ship. I loved my child — no one else ; but listen, I 
 
THE FIRST CHORD 169 
 
 sometimes have better impulses, and then I say that 
 I will use this strange power that I have for good. I 
 will make the men who love me turn their minds to 
 better ambitions, and then after they have cursed me 
 a little, they will bless me much." 
 
 " It is a dangerous game." 
 
 " Not with many." 
 
 " With that poor fellow indoors, for instance." 
 
 " Oh, Grant ! No, you are wrong. He has genius 
 — he will climb, and I shall have done it. Oh, I 
 shall be happy and proud." 
 
 " Work for yourself," he said, taking her hand and 
 kissing it reverently. " Make your own life one that 
 will make you happy and proud, and others happy 
 and proud for you." 
 
 " By marrying you " said Dagmar a little 
 
 scornfully. 
 
 "Yes. I have never loved before, but now — 
 now " 
 
 " You must give it up ! It is dangerous for you ! 
 You are not as young as Grant Leworthy." ' 
 
 " I do not change easily." 
 
 " Then it will be a bondage to you, and a man's 
 worst bondage is the bondage he loves. Forget me. 
 I think that I care enough about you to say that.'' 
 
 " But I shall not rest satisfied with that." 
 
 " Hush ! There they are ! Look at Byrd's face, she 
 is transformed by love, and I — I could never be " 
 
170 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 " Perhaps reformed." 
 
 The four met, and Dagmar at once became the 
 sympathetic friend. 
 
 " Well, Byrd, I need not pretend ignorance of your 
 secret ! I can assure you of one thing — that I am 
 surer of him than of myself ; oh, much surer." 
 
 Byrd took the hand of the Countess and kissed it, 
 but Dagmar stooped down and kissed her forehead. 
 
 " It IS all right and quite as it should be, moon- 
 light a!nd sea and dim light. Besides, Kilian is coura- 
 geous, and he is not easily daunted. He had made 
 up his mind that you must love him." 
 
 " Oh," said Byrd, wondering why she was supposed 
 to have such a hard heart. But, incapable of pre- 
 tence, she said : — 
 
 " I believed I loved him at first sight without 
 knowing it, and I know it now without any doubt". 
 
 "Are you sure, quite sure? " said the Countess. 
 
 " Quite, quite sure," said Byrd, laughing. 
 
 Dr. Voss had fallen behind with Kilian. 
 
 " I wish you joy. You cannot look at her face 
 and imagine her anything but a good, true woman." 
 
 " Too good for me," said Kilian shortly. But say 
 nothing about it. She will tell her people, otherwise 
 I prefer it not to be noised abroad." 
 
 The Baron met them on the sill of the French 
 window. 
 
 " Ah, fair ladies, you will have rheumatism and 
 
THE FIRST CHORD 171 
 
 gout and all the many ailments which the doctors 
 call by those names. Come in, pray. We want a 
 quartette. A bouquet of song." 
 
 The Baron was very musical, and occasionally al- 
 lowed others to play with him. 
 
 " Music ? No, I am not in the humour for music," 
 said the Countess. 
 
 " But if you begin the taste will come. Beautiful 
 Venus, let me lead you to the piano." 
 
 Dagmar obeyed. In this man's presence she felt 
 a strange powerlessness, which amused her as well as 
 annoyed her. 
 
 " No. I don't wish to play." 
 
 He took her hand and led her to the instrument. 
 For one moment she struggled to get her hand away. 
 In vain. 
 
 Dr. Voss gazed at the pair for a moment, then his 
 eyes fixed themselves on the Baron. 
 
 " I believe," he thought to himself, " that that man 
 is getting an unnatural power over her. It must not 
 be allowed." 
 
 " Let us talk instead of playing, Countess," he said 
 quickly. 
 
 Dagmar looked at him, smiled, then she shook her 
 head. 
 
 ■ "You have had your turn," she said, and struck 
 the first chord. 
 
CHAPTER XVIII 
 
 dulcie's decision 
 
 The next day a miracle happened at Seawater. It 
 was not, however, in the alteration of the physical 
 laws, but in that of the mental possibilities. Miss 
 Sophy Voss was seen walking up in the morning at 
 eleven o'clock to call on Dulcie and Dora Jeff. Never 
 had such a thing happened before ! 
 
 "There is Sophy Voss herself," exclaimed Dora. 
 " Oh, Dulcie, do you think it is to break the news to 
 us that papa has a secret malady which her dear 
 brother does not like to reveal to us too suddenly ? " 
 
 " It could never have escaped our eyes," said Dulcie 
 with decision. "This morning, when he drank his 
 cup of tea, he said : ' Dulcie, you are a ministering 
 angel '. He meant you, too, darling." 
 
 " Well, dear, I am sure that angejs would never 
 have your patience over little things. At least, I do 
 not wish to be irreverent, but we have never seen them 
 do anything." 
 
 " Oh, dear Sophy, do come in. What is the 
 
 matter ? Papa is much the same as usual ; indeed— 
 
 (172) 
 
DULCIE'S DECISION 173 
 
 but I hate boasting about serious subjects — he is a 
 trifle better." 
 
 Sophy looked very stern and by no means inclined 
 to any levity. 
 
 " My brother said that the General really has 
 nothing much the matter with him except a delicate 
 throat ; but I came about more important business." 
 
 " Oh," said Dulcie in a hurt tone, " I know you 
 think that we exaggerate dear papa's state, but you do 
 not look at him with filial eyes as we do." 
 
 " Of course I don't. I wanted to ask you if my 
 brother came in yesterday, and if you noticed any- 
 thing in him ? " 
 
 " Dear Dr. Voss did just look in for one moment in 
 the morning," said Dulcie. 
 
 "Yes," added Dora, '"but I did notice that he 
 seemed quite preoccupied, and that he would not have 
 called in if Dulcie had not beckoned to him." 
 
 " Just so," said Sophy. 
 
 " And when I said, ' Dear Dr. Voss, what do you 
 think about papa's going out this morning ? ' he said, 
 ' It's sheltered in the castle walk '. But he knows 
 papa could not get as far as that to save his life." 
 
 " Yes, - that was certainly forgetful of him ! This 
 morning he did a most extraordinary thing. He put 
 salt into his coifee. He tried to hide it from me, but 
 it was too nasty to swallow, and I had to give him a 
 clean cup." 
 
174 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 " Do you think," said Dora, looking at Dulcie, but 
 addressing Sophy, " that it is the beginning of soften- 
 ing of the brain ? A — a disappointment sometimes 
 brings that on." 
 
 " But has he had one ? " asked Dulcie, blushing and 
 looking down. " Who could disappoint a man like 
 him?'-' 
 
 " I'm afraid," said Sophy, scornfully disregarding 
 Dulcie's insinuation, " I am afraid that that Jezebel up 
 at the castle is getting him into her clutches. I know 
 the signs when a man is in love, and — I feel sure that 
 Dick is very much taken with her. He dined there 
 again last night, and he is prevaricative over it." 
 
 " And we never knew it ! " exclaimed Dulcie, blush- 
 ing deeply. 
 
 "Neither did I," said Sophy, her voice hard as 
 nails. 
 
 " Oh, poor, poor dear Sophy ! " said Dora. " I am 
 glad you confided in us, because I am sure that Dulcie 
 will find out a way to help you." 
 
 Dulcie sank down upon a hard sofa, raised her eyes 
 to the ceiling, and clasped her hands. 
 
 " Yes, Sophy, I will find out a way of getting your 
 brother back to his pure innocent affections and to his 
 home," she said. 
 
 " If only we knew that horrid woman ! " said Dora. 
 
 " That makes no difference to us. If it were right 
 to do so, I would take my life in my hands and go to 
 
DULCIE'S DECISION 175 
 
 the castle," said Dulcie. "Ah! that is the way to 
 help you. I will go, and I will see her." 
 
 " I would not demean myself," said Sophy, " but 
 if you do, Dulcie, tell her what I think of her." 
 
 " I will," said Dulcie solemnly. " Sophy, trust me ; 
 I will go this very morning, and this evening you will 
 see that Dr. Voss's sudden aberration will have passed 
 away." 
 
 Had Sophy Voss been less blinded by jealousy, she 
 would have been the first to reject Dulcie as her 
 auxiliary, but she now thought all fair in this struggle. 
 The Countess must hear the truth, and Dulcie would 
 be sure to colour all she said. She might even make 
 the Countess believe that she was engaged to the 
 Doctor, and Sophy devoutly hoped this might be the 
 case. 
 
 " I must go. Good-bye. I am sorry I disturbed you." 
 
 "But you did not, dear Sophy. Thank you for 
 confiding in us. You will never regret it. Besides, 
 dear papa is shaving now, and at present he can do 
 that without our help." 
 
 Sophy Voss cleared her throat and went away. 
 
 " Those silly women 1 " she said, but all the same 
 she had asked for their help. It was a bitter pill to 
 take, but she swallowed it for Dick's sake. 
 
 " Dulcie stood for a few moments as if she were in 
 a trance, then waking suddenly from it she clasped 
 Dora's hand. 
 
176 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 " I am ready, Dora ! I trust you to make such 
 excuses to dear father that he will not be greatly 
 distressed by my absence. Say that after a night of 
 thought — it is true, for I was dreaming all night, 
 owing, I think, to that lobster salad — I felt obliged to 
 take a draught of fresh air, but that my thoughts will 
 be still with you. Do you think, Dora, that I am for- 
 saking my duty ? " 
 
 " No, dear ; your duty calls you to help a brother 
 in distress." 
 
 "Yes," murmured Dulcie, "a more than brother. 
 I will dress in black. No one knows how I feel for 
 the poor Doctor struggling in the snare of the de- 
 ceiver." 
 
 " We have often heard of such women, Dulcie 
 dear, but we never, never thought that one of them 
 would come into our lives. Go at once, and make 
 your mind easy about dear papa. Of course, if any 
 unusual symptoms should come on I will send for 
 you." 
 
 " Thank you, Dora. Oh, what a pearl of a sister 
 you are ! Sophy is selfish about her brother ; we 
 never grudge good things to each other, do we? " 
 
 In a few more minutes Dulcie, dressed in a black 
 dress usually reserved for funerals, started for the 
 castle. A crusader could not have felt more strongly 
 that he was going to fight a holy war against a wicked 
 infidel than did Dulcie Jeff. 
 
DULCIE'S DECISION 177 
 
 Up at the castle the morning was full of glamour 
 for Byrd, and as she opened her window, unconsciously 
 she sang : — 
 
 Roses white and red, 
 White and red I cry, 
 Pretty maidens 
 Come and buy, come, oh, come and buy. 
 Come and buy my roses, 
 Gather'd &esh at dawn of day, 
 Buds whose scented breath composes 
 Every sweet that breathes of May. 
 
 All the world was beautiful this morning, but every 
 now and then she felt shy and frightened, as if she 
 must hide herself away and view her treasure in 
 solitude. 
 
 " I love him, oh, I love him so much, and yet I have 
 seen so little of him ! " Then she ran to Daisy's room. 
 
 " Daisy, are you ready ? Come and kiss me, 
 darling." Kilian had said Daisy was not to be told, 
 but at least Byrd felt that she herself knew it, and 
 that now Daisy belonged to her, and in the future 
 would be her child. Oh, she loved her now as if she 
 were her own, or so she thought. 
 
 Daisy threw her arms round Byrd's neck. 
 
 " Kiss Rosabella, too. You forgot her last night 
 and she cried herself to sleep." 
 
 " Did she ? She must learn to be happy ; as happy 
 as you will be, Daisy." 
 
 " With you always," said Daisy. 
 
 " Yes, with me always," 
 12 
 
178 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 When they assembled for breakfast, Kilian did not 
 look as happy as did Byrd, but she knew that he was 
 often sad, and she was accustomed to his gravity ; it 
 added a charm to his personality. Grant looked glum, 
 for the Countess's mood was changed, and she" now 
 treated him as an ordinary individual. The Baron 
 alone was in exactly the same imperturbable mood as 
 on the previous day, and Dagmar felt grateful to him 
 for his unchanging barometer. In the long run it is 
 the man who never varies who gets the upper hand of 
 his adversaries. 
 
 Moreover, the weather was sulky. Grey clouds fell 
 low, and seemed inclined to descend in fine drops. 
 The beautiful view was blotted out, and white mist 
 makes the most beautiful prospect on a par with all 
 that is commonplace. There was no expedition to be 
 planned. Byrd did not mind, because she knew that 
 Kilian would walk home with her, and they would 
 forget whether rain or sunshine was their portion. 
 
 Grant, on the other hand, had meant to have one 
 more terrace-walk with the goddess of the castle, but 
 the weather disposed of that intention. 
 
 " Must you leave us to-day ? " said Dagmar, looking 
 at the Baron. 
 
 " I shall not be far off; I am only going to London," 
 he said. 
 
 " And you, too, Mr, Leworthy, you will go and 
 conjure fame up in your romantic home ! I shall be 
 
DULCIE'S DECISION 179 
 
 left alone and dull. I am always inclined to fight 
 with destiny." 
 
 " Most ladies do that. They have no settled pur- 
 pose," said the Baron. " Now, I think long and 
 wisely ; I decide, and nothing turns me away from 
 my purpose." 
 
 He looked at Dagmar as he spoke. She knew 
 what he meant, and rising from her chair, she walked 
 uneasily to the window. 
 
 " Some one is coming up the avenue. A lady in 
 black. Ah ! I believe it is Dr. Voss's Miss Dulcie ! 
 This, indeed, is a morning call," and Dagmar laughed 
 merrily. 
 
 " Don't see her," said Grant impatiently. 
 
 " Lose the fun of the small comedies we find in life ! 
 How cruel you are ! " 
 
 " I believe everything is a comedy to you," muttered 
 Grant, going off" to his room in a bad temper. 
 
 The Baron shrugged his shoulders, and held out his 
 hand to Dagmar. 
 
 " The carriage will meet me at the bottom of your 
 steep hill. I have a great regard for my own safety. 
 Adieu, charming Countess ! I shall be away for a 
 short time, and then I will come back and claim your 
 promise." 
 
 " I made none," said Dagmar indignantly. 
 
 "But you will make it now, and if you don't, it 
 does not matter. No one will give you what I can 
 
180 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 give you ! Life, sunshine, amusement, freedom from 
 —thought." 
 
 " And love — you do not mention that." 
 
 " Because I do not believe in it. It is a vapour 
 that is soon lost in the common air ! There are many 
 things which are superior to it." 
 
 " I do not believe it ! " 
 
 " But I know it, and I owe you a deep debt of grati- 
 tude, fair Venus, for a happy time in your presence. 
 Trust me, I shall return, and you will go with me." 
 
 He looked straight into her eyes, and Dagmar 
 looked away. 
 
 " Oh, you seem to prophesy easily ! To me it is a 
 mystery." 
 
 " To me a certainty. I kiss your hand. Countess." 
 
 He stooped his handsome head, and suited thf 
 action to the words. Dagmar felt a shudder run 
 through her. She felt that if this man said so, she 
 would have to do his bidding. 
 
 "Good-bye. Perhaps when you see me again I 
 shall no longer be free." 
 
 "Shall you be Mrs. Leworthy of the Upland 
 Farm ? " he said in his pleasant though scornful voice. 
 
 The door opened, and the footman announced : — 
 
 " Miss Jeff wishes to see the Countess ". 
 
 Dagmar saw the Baron disappear, and experienced a 
 great sense of relief as she answered : — 
 
 "Show Miss Jeff in here ". 
 
CHAPTER XIX 
 
 A WOMAN WITH A MISSION 
 
 Miss Dulcie Jeff's first sight df Dagmar for a 
 moment took away her self-possession. There was 
 something so radiantly fascinating about the Countess, 
 even something so sympathetic, that it was impossible 
 to believe that this woman was the incarnation of evil. 
 Dagmar herself, however, felt in a mood for mischief, 
 so she asked her visitor to sit down, and amiably 
 begged to know the reason of her early visit. Dulcie 
 cleared her throat, and thought of the early martyrs. 
 She must find courage to resist the evil in the shape 
 of such alluring manners. 
 
 "You will excuse my coming so early," she said 
 drily ; " for one reason I did not wish you to think 
 that I was paying you a formal call." 
 
 " Only a friendly visit, in fact, and quite informal," 
 said Dagmar smiling. 
 
 " Not that, exactly. No, I came to speak to you 
 face to face," answered Dulcie sternly. 
 
 " It is most kind of you, I am sure. I have been wish- 
 ing to see you," remarked the Countess, still smiling, 
 
 (181) 
 
182 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 " To see me ! " replied Dulcie, grasping this straw 
 of help. " Then you have heard of me through the 
 same channel that I have heard of you ? " 
 
 " Through Dr. Voss, yes ; you know that he comes 
 here very often." 
 
 "Yes, that is the reason of my being here," and 
 Dulcie looked as severe as she could. 
 
 " Indeed ! Did he ask you to call ? " 
 
 " Ask me to call on you ? No, never ! He could 
 not do that ; he could not be so cruel." 
 
 " So cruel ! That is hardly a compliment to me." 
 
 Dagmar was still smiling. 
 
 " I wish to be serious, Countess von Wurm," said 
 Dulcie sternly, for Dagmar's kindly manner was very 
 disconcerting. 
 
 "You do not seriously mean that Dr. Voss can 
 really be cruel by asking you to call on me ? " 
 
 " That is exactly what I do mean. I want to ask 
 you, face to face, Countess, why he comes here? " 
 
 " I never asked him the reason ; but I will if you 
 wish to know." 
 
 " No ; I know it already, and his sister Sophy 
 knows it. Both of us have good cause to know it." 
 
 " Ah, of course, he told you about the accident to 
 my brother's little girl. It was fortunate there was a 
 doctor so near at hand, wasn't it ? " 
 
 " No, Countess, it was most unfortunate for him." 
 
 " Indeed ? But why ? " said Dagmar thoughtfully. 
 
A WOMAN WITH A MISSION 18S 
 
 " If your own heart does not tell you, it is because 
 the heart is deceitful above all things." 
 
 " You really speak in riddles, Miss Jeff. Honestly, 
 I wish you would explain why you have come to tell 
 me this. We seem to be at cross-purposes." 
 
 " I will," said Dulcie, rising. " It is because you 
 are getting a good man into your deceitful net, because 
 you are ruining his present home, and because you 
 are preventing him from enjoying future happiness." 
 
 Dagmar laughed more happily than before. 
 
 "Your riddles are quite beyond me. Dr. Voss 
 came here professionally, and far from ruining him, 
 I hope " 
 
 " I do not speak of worldly profit ; that is mere 
 filthy lucre. I am speaking of the heart." 
 
 " Oh ! now I see ! Has Dr. Voss hurt his sister's 
 feelings by coming to see me? " 
 
 " Yes, and not only his sister, but you have been the 
 means of inflicting another wound on another heart." 
 
 '' How dreadful of me — and all so unintentional ! 
 I am truly sorry. Tell me how can I apologise? 
 How have I offended Dr. Voss ? " 
 
 " You have not offended him, but you have 
 
 In fact, Countess, his sister loves him, and can brook 
 no second affection, except " 
 
 " What is the exception ? " 
 
 " Except for that love which forsakes father and 
 mother and sister for a greater." 
 
184 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 Dulcie raised her eyes towards the ceiling. 
 
 " Is he engaged ? Is that what you mean ? " asked 
 Dagmar, looking straight at Dulcie. 
 
 " Do you so little understand the language of the 
 heart that " 
 
 Dagmar smiled. 
 
 " Miss Jeff, you have spoken the truth without 
 knowing it. That is, indeed, my case. In fact, I told 
 Dr. Voss the same thing." 
 
 Dulcie looked horrified. 
 
 "You spoke of — of — love to him? And I, who 
 have known him for years, have never breathed that 
 word, because it was too sacred between us ! You 
 have trod where " 
 
 "Another angel has been afraid to enter. Is that so?" 
 
 Dagmar laughed heartily. 
 
 " Yes ; but your punishment will come 1 He may 
 have a passing fancy, but never, never can he really 
 love you. Countess ! It is my duty to tell you so. 
 His sister sent me to you to warn you, and to " 
 
 Dulcie could not remember what Sophy expected 
 her to say, so she paused. 
 
 " How very kind of Miss Voss ! Why did she not 
 come herself? And really, now I think of it, it was 
 good of you to offer to be her messenger ; so disinter- 
 ested." 
 
 " It was my duty. I have never shrunk from 
 doing that." 
 
A WOMAN WITH A MISSION 185 
 
 " How good you are ! Now, I am always shirking 
 my duty. I ought not to be listening to you now ; it 
 is not honourable to Dr. Voss ; but, you see, I am do- 
 ing it." 
 
 "Leave that good man out of the question. Dear 
 Dr. Voss is easily led away. But I repeat it — he can 
 never, never " 
 
 " Don't say anything rash ! I don't .want to betray 
 his secret." 
 
 " His secret ! " said Dulcie, blushing. " I know it ; I 
 
 have long known it. He — he But I cannot speak 
 
 of it. A woman is always reticent on that subject." 
 
 " You have long known it ? Oh, dear ! and he 
 only told me last night." 
 
 " Told you only last night ? Ah ! he has made a 
 confidant of you — nothing more." 
 
 " Of course ; he confided to me that he loved, and 
 
 " That his love is returned ? " 
 
 " On the contrary, he fears that it is not returned.'' 
 
 " That will show you, Countess, how some women 
 can hide their feelings." 
 
 Dagmar felt suddenly ashamed of herself for mak- 
 ing game of this poor deluded wonian. Dick Voss 
 would be ashamed of her ; he would say that she was 
 not acting up to her own standard. Suddenly all her 
 light, bantering tone disappeared, and she came and 
 stood close to Dulcie. 
 
186 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 " Forgive me, Miss Jeiif ; you are quite right. I am 
 not worthy to be Dr. Voss's friend. He. has noble 
 ideals, and he expects the best from every one, even 
 from me." 
 
 " What — do you mean ? " murmured Dulcie. 
 
 " I mean that I had better tell you the truth. Dr. 
 Voss loves me ; don't start away from me. So many 
 other people say they love me, and I — I cannot re- 
 turn the love ; no, not even his. If you think that 
 you can make him happy, and if he has told you 
 that he loves you, as your words seem to imply, then 
 do not be afraid of me. I shall not stand in your 
 way. Why should I prevent any one from loving 
 and being loved? I envy you, even because — be- 
 cause Well, no, I must not say that, because it 
 
 is better to face the truth. You could not make him 
 happy." 
 
 Dulcie had remained as if turned to stone during 
 this speech. Even to her slow comprehension there 
 came a glimmer of light, and that light showed her a 
 woman who possessed a strong power for good, and 
 also a stronger power of attraction, than any she had 
 ever met before. But then Dulcie recollected that 
 she must not return to Sophy as a vanquished am- 
 bassador, so putting away her better impulse, she 
 straightened herself 
 
 " Pray leave personal questions out of your conver- 
 sation. Countess von Wurm. You will never be 
 
A WOMAN WITH A MISSION 187 
 
 allowed to lure away a good man. He is not yet 
 entirely deaf to the voice of — of virtue." 
 
 Dagmar turned away impatiently, thinking how 
 foolish she had been to throw herself against a brick 
 wall of prejudice and conceit ; for even the best of 
 people — and Dagmar could hardly be placed in this 
 company — are inclined to call all opposing barriers 
 unyielding and uninteresting brick walls. 
 
 " You must forgive me, Miss Jeff, but I have an en- 
 gagement. Would you do me the kindness to take a 
 note to Dr. Voss?" 
 
 Dulcie started in astonishment, then thinking that 
 in any case it would give her an excuse for talking to 
 the Doctor, she held out her hand. 
 
 Dagmar dashed off a few words, and handed the 
 note to her visitor. 
 
 " It is most kind of you. Let me show you the 
 short cut through the garden." 
 
 Dulcie walked out, holding her head very high. 
 
 " Thank you ; I know the way quite well. Good 
 morning." 
 
 Dagmar felt annoyed. She hated ridiculous people, 
 and Miss Jeff was extremely ridiculous and imperti- 
 nent ; but what did it matter ? She — Dagmar — was 
 not going to live in this lonely solitude much longer. 
 She wanted a large sphere. She went to find Byrd. 
 She knew that she would be with Kilian in the 
 library, and she called out to them. 
 
188 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 " You happy lovers ! You are deaf to my distress. 
 I have been receiving a sermon from Miss Jeff. It 
 was as good as a play." 
 
 " I dare say you teased her," said Kilian. 
 
 " I tried to be in earnest, but it was impossible." 
 
 She then gave a highly-coloured account of the 
 interview, leaving out much of her own share. 
 
 " But perhaps that poor old maid really loves him," 
 said Byrd sympathetically, for she knew the meaning 
 of the word love. 
 
 " She loves herself, not him. To punish her, I 
 made her carry him another invitation." 
 
 " For shame, Dagmar ! " said her brother. 
 
 " But what right had she to come and lecture me? 
 Besides, she was so funny ! So you will walk home 
 together, and I will drive Grant back by the high- 
 road. It is all so misty that no one will intrude on 
 your ttte-dL-ttte" 
 
 When Byrd was walking up the steep path in the 
 wood with Kilian, the measure of her joy was full. 
 She did not mind his somewhat marked silence ; she 
 only felt that there was perfect sympathy between them. 
 
 " One thing disturbs me," she said at last. " You 
 know that we are very poor. You will have a dower- 
 less wife." 
 
 " That is what I prefer. I have enough for two." 
 
 " Don't forget Daisy, Do you know, dear Kilian, 
 that I love her as if she belonged to me." 
 
A WOMAN WITH A MISSION 189 
 
 Kilian looked down. 
 
 " Poor little Daisy ! She is a good child." 
 
 " And she is so lonely. Tell me about her mother, 
 Kilian, if you will ; I shall not be jealous." 
 
 Byrd laughed merrily. 
 
 " Not now," he said hurriedly. " Another time. 
 Let us enjoy this walk without sad thoughts. Be- 
 sides, I want to know your ideas. Byrd, my darling, 
 I want you to marry me as soon as possible. I want 
 you more than any one else can want you." 
 
 Byrd sighed. 
 
 "Yes, I know you do, but my heart feels very 
 heavy at the idea of leaving home. What will they 
 do without me ? Why is one's own happiness always 
 mixed up with pain to others ? " 
 
 " But, honestly, you are not wanted. Grant shall 
 often come to us, and another servant will more than 
 replace you." 
 
 " And mother ? " 
 
 " Oh, she will be glad to hear that you have a 
 home of your own." 
 
 Byrd was not so sure of that, so she only said : — 
 
 " Come and see ". 
 
CHAPTER XX 
 
 BY THE STREAM 
 
 The upland farm looked rather dreary in its shroud 
 of white mist, and Byrd felt a little shiver pass through 
 her as she led the way into the sitting-room, where a 
 large fire was happily burning, and near which Mrs. 
 Leworthy was working. 
 
 " Mother, here is Mr. Tresiddar," said Byrd, giving 
 her mother a kiss. 
 
 " How do you do ? I'm sorry you took the trouble 
 to walk back with my daughter," said Mrs. Leworthy 
 rather pointedly. " My husband is in bed. I told 
 you he was not well, Byrd, and this morning he is in 
 great pain." 
 
 " Oh, I am sorry." Byrd felt that her sunshine 
 was to be of short duration, but nothing could put out 
 the real sun. " Mother, I want to tell you that — 
 Mr. Tressidar wants to " 
 
 " That I want you to give me your most precious 
 possession," said Kilian in his slow voice. 
 
 Mrs. Leworthy looked from one to the other. 
 
 " But you know nothing of each other. I'm sure 
 
 my husband will say the same." 
 
 (190) 
 
BY THE STREAM 191 
 
 " Mother ! " said Byrd, blushing, " we know enough 
 to be sure." 
 
 " Yes ; I love Byrd as if I had known her always." 
 
 " Oh, yes, men always say that ; but it is not 
 always true. Your father said that we should be 
 always well off, and now we are poor. We can't give 
 Byrd any dower, Mr. Tressidar. She had better stay 
 at home. We can't spare her." 
 
 Byrd rebelled ; she had never done so before. 
 
 " I have done all I could ; but one can't know 
 what will happen." 
 
 She paused, for she was sorry for her mother. 
 
 " Oh, I know you will do what you like best Byrd ; 
 you always do." 
 
 The injustice of this made Byrd angry ; but she had 
 a strong character, and she closed her lips, and Mrs. 
 Leworthy repented, and expressed her repentance by 
 adding : — 
 
 " It's very kind of you to think so much of Byrd. 
 Her father won't like parting from her, and, of Course, 
 it will throw everything on me ; but I don't forbid it. 
 I know nothing of the case. In my young days 
 girls did not get engaged like this without any refer- 
 ence to their elders. I suppose you do consider your- 
 self engaged, Byrd ? So there's nothing more to be 
 said. You take the responsibility of your happiness 
 into your own hands ? " 
 
 " Yes," said Byrd firmly. 
 
192 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 "Very well. Where's Grant ? I don't approve of 
 his mixing with people who are far above him in 
 means." 
 
 Poor Byrd ! She made a great effort, smiled, and 
 then told Kilian to sit down whilst she went upstairs 
 to see her father. When she came down again her 
 face was all smiles. 
 
 " Father is very glad. He says that he will have a 
 talk with you when he is better. He does seem to be 
 in pain." 
 
 Byrd was her own bright self again. She made 
 Kilian useful, she laughed and chatted, and she was 
 full of life. 
 
 Then the mist began to clear, and when lunch was 
 ready, Grant and the Countess appeared, and the sun- 
 shine came out. 
 
 Grant was radiant, for Dagmar, having no one else, 
 had laid herself out to be agreeable in her best 
 manner. She talked over Grant's prospects as an 
 author, and she let him unburden his mind to her as 
 he had never done before to any one. 
 
 Dagmar would not stay, but she told Kilian not to 
 hurry back, as she would see after Daisy. 
 
 How merry they were now ! Even Mrs. Leworthy 
 thawed a little, glad that Grant looked happier, for 
 she disliked any one but herself to look sad or 
 to grumble. 
 
 When Mr. Leworthy came downstairs he was glad 
 
By the stream 19^ 
 
 to see them, but not well enough to have a business 
 talk with Kilian. He was even glad to put off say; 
 ing that he could give his daughter nothing when she 
 married. 
 
 When every one was seen to, Byrd thought of her- 
 self. The sunshine was piercing the gloom, the 
 stream was beginning to look lively again. 
 
 " Come," she said to her lover, " let us go up the 
 hill." 
 
 They went out together, first going downhill to 
 cross the upland stream. Just as they reached the 
 bridge, Byrd paused and looked down into the 
 water. 
 
 " You see how difficult it is for me to leave home." 
 
 "But if you stay you will be a slave, Byrd. With 
 me you will be a queen." 
 
 She laughed. 
 
 " Oh, I shall soon be your slave ! I must have 
 been born to be useful, and Dagmar to be orna- 
 mental." 
 
 "But you are happy, and she is unhappy. That 
 Baron is beginning to get power over her. Poor 
 Dagmar, she never knows her own mind ! " 
 
 " We know ours ! " 
 
 He did not answer. His mind was burdened with 
 
 what he must tell her, and he looked away. Byrd, on 
 
 the contrary, gazed up the hill, and presently she saw 
 
 the pretty woman from the other farm' tripping 
 
 13 
 
194 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 towards them, She said nothing at first, for she was 
 thinking that Kilian would not like to be disturbed, 
 and then suddenly the stranger was close upon them. 
 Kilian turned. His face flushed, but he remained 
 motionless. 
 
 There rang a clear scornful laugh close beside them. 
 Kilian neither moved nor spoke, 
 
 Byrd did not know what to make of the scene. 
 She saw that the stranger was known to Kilian, but 
 how strangely he behaved to her ! 
 
 " May I speak a word with you in private ? " said 
 the lady. 
 
 Kilian moved away with her still in the same passive 
 manner. 
 
 Byrd remained on the bridge, wondering what all 
 this meant, but willing to wait until Kilian came to 
 explain everything to her. She looked at the gur- 
 gling stream tumbling over its miniature boulders, and 
 it seemed to fascinate her. It was a parable of life, 
 always going on, never stopping, but managing in 
 some way or other to leap over obstacles, one drop 
 urged on by its neighbour, all passing on, on, not 
 knowing whither, but obeying a higher law. 
 
 " Some of the water flows on in the sunshine, and 
 some near the muddy bank is always in the gloom," 
 she thought. " Now my streamlet is all in the sun- 
 shine, and heaven lets me feel its warmth. Love 
 came to make us happy, and to lead us, in spite of 
 
BY THE STREAM 195 
 
 ourselves, to think of the Creator's love. It is wonder- 
 ful, past finding out." 
 
 " Byrd," said Kilian, and she started, for he had re- 
 turned so quietly to her that she had not heard his 
 step on the soft path. 
 
 " There you are ! Do you know that lady ? She is 
 very pretty." 
 
 " Come into the wood and let me tell you why I left 
 you." 
 
 " Why, of course, to talk to — to — your acquaint- 
 ance." 
 
 They walked on in silence, Kilian with his head 
 bent down, Byrd in front, beginning to wonder a 
 little what it all meant. At last they reached a 
 fallen tree, and they instinctively sat down. Byrd 
 slipped her hand into Kilian's hand, feeling that 
 her duty was to leave her father and mother and 
 to cleave unto him, so as to make all his sadness 
 disappear, and to show him how a woman could 
 love. 
 
 "Why are you sad to-day," she said softly, "our 
 betrothal day ? You must be glad, for my sake, be- 
 cause I am glad." 
 
 " Dagmar said that you would be glad for me. She 
 knows that my life has been sad. She knows every- 
 thing, and yet she told me to ask you." 
 
 " I want to know everything about you. I know 
 you have had sorrow." 
 
196 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 " And you cannot guess — no, you are so like a 
 woman from some purer sphere. It is women like 
 you, Byrd, that keep the world from becoming 
 chaos." 
 
 Byrd laughed. 
 
 " Oh, I am quite ordinary, and you have made 
 an imaginary picture of me ! At this moment I 
 consider myself the most lucky young woman in 
 England 1 Everything seems changed for me be- 
 cause " 
 
 She leant her head against his shoulder, and 
 laughed for very happiness. 
 
 " Now tell me about your life, and who is that 
 acquaintance." 
 
 Kilian, coward-like, had delayed. He would have 
 liked to put her off again, but then he remembered 
 Dagmar's words, and took courage. 
 
 " Byrd, you do not doubt my love for you ? " 
 
 " Doubt it on our engagement day ! What an idea ! 
 You love me more than I deserve." 
 
 " You give me very precious love, too, my darling. 
 No, I will doubt nothing to-day. I will take courage, 
 and hope and believe even that you will love me 
 always." 
 
 " Of course I shall, even though I did once declare 
 that I would never, never marry a widower ! " 
 
 There was a short pause, then Kilian said : — 
 
 " I am not a widower, Byrd ", 
 
BY THE STREAM 197 
 
 " Not a widower ! Then what — is Daisy ? " 
 Byrd turned her bright face, now suddenly flushed, 
 towards him. 
 
 " Eight years ago, Byrd, when I was coaching for 
 special subjects after college, I had a bad illness, and 
 went to recruit at a watering-place. Having nothing 
 to do but to lounge by the seaside, I found the time 
 hang heavy on my hands, till I made the acquaint- 
 ance of an artist who lived at Swayling. He was a 
 lively fellow, and very good company. Soon after, 
 his sister came to stay with him, and, of course, I 
 made her acquaintance. She was then quite young, 
 and as pretty as — a dream. I was fascinated by her, 
 and fell desperately in love, as a young man will with 
 a pretty face, regardless of anything else. Grey had 
 introduced his sister to me as Maggie Grey, and I 
 very soon felt that life would not be worth having 
 if I could not persuade Maggie Grey to marry me. 
 I could see that she was vain, coquettish and careless, 
 but her beauty made me find an excuse for all her 
 faults. At last I pleaded earnestly, and she told me 
 she had no religious faith, and did not believe in 
 the marriage service. I was horrified, and tried to 
 draw back, but I knew, even as I did so, that I could 
 not give her up. I was conscious that I ought to go 
 away and fly from the temptation, but I stayed. I 
 was no longer master of -myself She knew exactly 
 how to draw me on. Everything about her w^s for 
 
198 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 effect. Nature and art seemed to go hand in hand to 
 make her irresistible." 
 
 " And then ? " said Byrd in a low voice, but her 
 hand was still clasped in Kilian's hand. 
 
 " Then I gave up the struggle, and again I pleaded 
 that if she would be mine I would throw everything 
 else to the winds. She appeared to yield, and she 
 told me in her fascinating manner, that if I gave in to 
 her prejudice she would meet me half-way. This was, 
 that for the happiness of our children, supposing we had 
 any, she would go through the marriage service, and 
 she made me promise solemnly that in that case I 
 would not then refuse to be legally married. I 
 promised faithfully to do as she liked — why not, con- 
 sidering I would have willingly married her then ? — 
 but as I did so my conscience told me that I was con- 
 senting to a wrong thing, but I consoled myself by 
 thinking that the future would make it all right, and 
 that in any case our children should not suffer." 
 
 " And then ? " said Byrd. Her voice was very low 
 and sad. 
 
 "Then we went abroad, and she took my name, 
 but the disenchantment took place only too soon. 
 Oh, Byrd, I am telling you what I have never told 
 any one before, so that your pity may teach you to 
 forgive. Maggie Grey was made to make a man 
 miserable. Often, when I was enduring mental 
 torture, I would gomfort myself with the idea that, 
 
BY THE STREAM 199 
 
 after all, I was not bound legally to her, and that, con- 
 sidering her heartlessness, she could never even in- 
 sist or wish to become my lawful wife. I had a year's 
 leave of absence, and when the six months were over 
 I longed for something to happen which might re- 
 lease me. I will not enter into details of that time ; 
 it is unnecessary. Enough to know that I had but 
 one glad thought, one grateful sentiment towards her, 
 and this was that she had not allowed me to bind 
 myself. I did not flatter myself that she loved me, 
 or that she had consented to live with me from a feel- 
 ing of love. What her motive had been had always 
 puzzled me till ten months after our flight. She 
 came to me one day, and in her heartless manner 
 she claimed my promise. She had arranged every- 
 thing, and she said that we should now return to 
 England after getting married at Paris. 
 
 " My heart sank. 
 
 " ' Why now more than ten months ago ? ' I asked 
 her gloomily. 
 
 " ' Because my husband has just died,' she 
 answered, showing me a paragraph in The Times. 
 
 " Then I felt my courage return. She had deceived 
 me, I said, and could not hold me to my promise, to 
 which she answered that marriage was an empty 
 form, that she had told me that she did not love me, 
 nor had she pretended that I was her iirst love, and 
 that I had bothered her into going away with me. 
 
200 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 Then she showed me a letter of mine, in which I had 
 written down my promise — and — she reminded me of 
 the child that was expected, and how often I had 
 promised it should never suffer. 
 
 " Byrd, that is my history. Daisy was born soon 
 , afterwards, but I still remained firm in my refusal to 
 marry her mother. Six weeks after, she had forsaken 
 her child and begun a new life of her own choosing. 
 She went on the stage. I had the child sent away to 
 a stranger, and I myself returned to my work at the 
 end of my year's absence." 
 
 " Did you absolutely refuse to fulfil your pro- 
 mise ? " 
 
 "Yes. She only wished, I knew, to obtain my 
 name. I learnt that her first husband had b,een 
 crushed by her conduct. Her artist brother, himself 
 lax in principles, had taken her side, and had basely 
 deceived me. I have told you enough. Every now 
 and then, to annoy me, she hunts me down to remind 
 me of my promise. Seeing us together, she was 
 more anxious to persecute me. She even pretends 
 that she wants Daisy. Poor child ! At least, I can 
 try to saye her, but " 
 
 Kilian stood up. He missed the loving, soft 
 hand in his, the first loving woman's hand which he 
 had ever felt. That first mad passion of his had 
 been surrounded with no true influence, no higher 
 ideal. 
 
BY THE STREAM 201 
 
 " Speak to me Byrd," he said. " Dagmar said you 
 would forgive me and pity me." 
 
 " Oh, go back to her now. Leave me to think it 
 
 out, please. I — I — I Oh, Mr. Tresiddar, you 
 
 promised her — I — I Oh, leave me now." 
 
 Kilian rose and obeyed her. He felt that it was 
 wiser to let her think it over alone. Dagmar had 
 promised him that she would forgive the past. 
 
CHAPTER XXI 
 
 A FADED DREAM 
 
 " Byrd ! Byrd ! Where are you ? Your father " 
 
 Mrs. Leworthy seized hold of Byrd's arm as she 
 
 entered. 
 
 " What is the matter ? Mother, tell me ! " 
 
 " Your father has had a stroke. I have sent a man 
 
 down for Dr. Voss — but oh ! I knew what it would 
 
 be. This dreadful place ! Cortie upstairs, Byrd." 
 
 Byrd ran upstairs, where Grant was trying, in his 
 
 poor way, to apply restoratives. They were all lost 
 
 without Byrd. She was at her post in a moment, 
 
 and the shock did her good. It swept away for the 
 
 moment that other shock she had just received, 
 
 leaving her with only a dull, heavy feeling as if all her 
 
 life were coming to an end. 
 
 " People often recover, mother ; don't distress 
 
 yourself too much." 
 
 " At his age, too ! hardly past middle life. It all 
 
 comes from the shock of leaving his own home. I 
 
 knew coming here would kill us all. I shall soon 
 
 follow." 
 
 (202) 
 
A FADED DREAM 203 
 
 Byrd made a sign to Grant to take his mother 
 away; she and Betty would stay in the sick-room, 
 for there was so little to do till Dr. Voss came. 
 
 It seemed hours before he entered the room, and 
 then Byrd felt at once that she had a friend. There 
 was a quiet power in all his movements, and his few 
 words inspired confidence ; besides he and Byrd 
 understood each other so well in the sick-room. 
 
 " I am glad you have come ; I want your help." 
 
 " Of course you do. Mrs. Leworthy is not physic- 
 ally capable of bearing trouble. Some people can- 
 not." 
 
 " It falls heavier on those who can," she said hope- 
 lessly, and she thought, "oh, if Kilian could have 
 come to me with his real sympathy ! " 
 
 " Will he get over it ? " she said aloud. 
 
 " I cannot tell till to-night. He is reviving now, 
 certainly. Almost too quickly. He may know you 
 again. Your mother must sit in the next room, but 
 not here. There must be no agitation." 
 
 When the sun was setting, the gleam of conscious- 
 ness returned. The quiet, disappointed man seemed 
 barely to regret leaving life, but as his eyes rested on 
 Byrd he smiled, and she stooped down to catch his 
 words. 
 
 " My blessing for you and for him." 
 
 Mrs. Leworthy put Byrd on one side. She, too, 
 wanted a last word, 
 
204, SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 "I'm sorry It has been all failure," he said, 
 
 looking pitifully at her. 
 
 " No, no," she answered, " not all, not all. Say a 
 word to Grant." 
 
 But the flicker of ebbing life was fitful. Grant saw 
 that the eyes which rested upon him only saw beyond 
 him. Suddenly there was a convulsion, an upheaving 
 of the life imprisoned within the earthly tabernacle, 
 just as an earthquake represents some mysterious life 
 below the surface of the world, and then all con- 
 sciousness was over, and the watching afterwards was 
 but the watching of a light burning fitfully low down 
 in its socket, and certain to go out. 
 
 And then night — night over the uplands, over the 
 trees, over the heather : night over the farm, and 
 night over humanity. 
 
 " It is all over," said Dr. Voss turning to Byrd. 
 " You look too tired to stay here. Go to bed. I 
 will come to-morrow." 
 
 The house which contains a body deprived of all 
 that made it conscious of itself inspires a feeling of 
 unexplained seriousness in the minds of those who 
 are left behind, Byrd was so worn out in mind and 
 body that she crept into bed like a tired child, then, 
 like a tired child, she began to cry, but sleep would 
 not come. She only knew now that she was very, 
 very miserable, and that it was not all because of her 
 father's death, though she had been devoted to him, 
 
A FADED DREAM 205 
 
 In his quiet manner he had given her his sympathy 
 — though expressing it in a poor way. Then these 
 thoughts surged through her brain : — 
 
 But Kilian — and Daisy Poor Daisy ! with no 
 
 right to her name. She was being punished for the 
 sins of her parents. Did he not care for her ? That 
 must be impossible. It was for Daisy's sake that 
 that other woman wanted to marry Kilian. Oh, how 
 dreadful ! But what was right ? How could she, 
 Byrd, put herself into another woman's rightful place ? 
 But was it her right place ? She had deceived Kilian, 
 and then — but a mother's love must come first, and 
 
 must be very powerful. If No, she could not 
 
 realise all that Kilian had told her. Byrd was so 
 simple-minded, so little accustomed to crooked ideas 
 and crooked ways, that she could not even under- 
 stand side issues. To her a promise was sacred. 
 Kilian's promise was sacred, and more so because of 
 Daisy's happiness. If that woman had not been all 
 that she ought to be; at least Kilian had first asked 
 her to give herself to him. And she, Byrd, had be- 
 lieved in him, she had thought him so perfect, and she 
 had given him her whole heart. Her mother had, 
 after all, been right ; she ought never to have gone to 
 the castle, and she had led Grant there, too. 
 
 But why should she ruin her whole life because of 
 that woman ? Kilian loved her now ; she knew that 
 fact, at least, must be true, but 
 
206 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 Byrd had a feeling, shared by many women, that 
 they want a man's first love, and his whole affection. 
 Good women know that they can give so much, and 
 they naturally want as much in return. It is only 
 their elders who tell them that happiness depends on 
 not expecting too much return, and that, at the best, 
 love is short-lived. An old, old story, but the chil- 
 dren will not believe it. They feel that there must 
 be a perfect romance ready for them at least, even if 
 all other romances have been failures. 
 
 Her father was so upright and honourable ! If only 
 he could have lived just to tell her what was right ! 
 Her mother could not understand, and besides, she 
 could not tell her. 
 
 Sleep came at last from sheer weariness, and when 
 Byrd awoke the sun was bright, and nature was as 
 lovely as she had ever seen it. At first she felt in- 
 clined to jump out and run as usual to the balcony 
 and offer her flowers to the passers-by. Then all her 
 sorrow and its depth returned to her mind. No one 
 now would buy her flowers. Only one who must 
 not even have them given to him. This morning the 
 impression was clear and strong that she must say 
 "No". 
 
 " I cannot marry him ; I cannot take away that 
 woman's place. Daisy, poor, poor little Daisy ! I 
 must do what is right ; I must, I must ! " 
 
 Dr. Voss came to her just as she opened the door. 
 
A FADED DREAM 2o7 
 
 " I want to help you," he said. " I have come 
 with a message." 
 
 " From whom ? " 
 
 " From the Countess.'' 
 
 " Have you seen her ? " 
 
 " Yes ; she met me in the glen as I walked up.'' 
 
 Byrd noticed a sudden gleam of pleasure on the 
 Doctor's face, and she divined his secret. She was no 
 longer an ignorant girl now. 
 
 " What did she say ? " 
 
 "That you were to do nothing rashly before you 
 saw her. I told her that I was sure you never acted 
 rashly." 
 
 " I should like to do so." 
 
 " No, it would be unlike yourself, and it would 
 hurt you afterwards." 
 
 "Thank you. I want help now, and I want a 
 friend." 
 
 " Mr. Tresiddar will be most ready to help you. 
 You have him now. I may say so ? " 
 
 " Yes ; I am sure he will help me if I ask him, 
 but " 
 
 " You are going to be rash, and give him up be- 
 cause you think that your mother will want you." 
 
 Byrd caught at this straw of an excuse. 
 
 " Yes ; my mother will want me for a long time to 
 come." 
 
 " He will want you more." 
 
208 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 " When two things clash, then one must give way. 
 My mother must come first." 
 
 " That is what the Countess is afraid of for you." 
 
 " Thank you ; she is very kind ; but some things, 
 one must decide for one's self" 
 
 Byrd spoke more decidedly than Dr. Voss believed 
 possible. She had been so gentle, so helpful, and 
 not thinking of herself. Now she seemed to be an- 
 other woman. 
 
 That day seemed never-ending to Byrd, for soon 
 after Dr. Voss took his departure there came a note 
 for her. Her first love letter, she thought, as she held 
 it, hardly daring to open it. When she did, this was 
 what she read : — 
 
 It all seems like a nightmare, Byrd. Write one line to me, dear- 
 est, and say that I may come and comfort you. I seem to be still 
 close to you, sitting on that fallen tree, and still to feel your hand in 
 mine. Won't you trust me, child ? You, who are so young and inno- 
 cent I You cannot — thank Heaven I — understand why I am bound to 
 break my promise, It would be ruining my life as well as hers, for 
 now, at all events, she is not bound. Byrd, you cannot understand the 
 evil that a bad woman can work, but believe me when I tell you that 
 it is so. You need not doubt my love ; I do not doubt yours, and I 
 know that you will not forsake a man whose heart has been broken, 
 and whose life has been ruined. Let me come to you, and I will be 
 a brother as well as a lover. Have pity on me, dear Byrd ; I want it 
 more than you understand. Don't take away this new light from me. 
 
 Yours, 
 
 KiLIAN TrESIDDAR. 
 
 The boy was waiting for an answer, and Byrd went 
 to her own room and took up a pen. Never before 
 
A FADED DREAM 209 
 
 had she so much wanted help and comfort, not only 
 mentally, but in worldly matters. Her father's sud- 
 den death meant that they had lost their home. Byrd 
 knew also that it would make them almost beggars. 
 Here was a legitimate way out of all difficulty — she 
 would marry Kilian. Did she not love him more than 
 herself? And he would let her mother live with them. 
 Grant would find work now that his ambition was 
 roused. It seemed providential ; but — was it right ? 
 Oh, of course Kilian knew best about these things, 
 and she was unknowing of the ways of the world ; 
 but then, again, could she turn against her own simple 
 ideas of right and wrong? Before God, Kilian was 
 married to this woman, for better, for worse ; and 
 before God, he was the father of Daisy, and bound 
 to her and to the woman who was her mother. How 
 simple this seemed to be ! Even the fact that her legal 
 husband was dead before Daisy's birth made it simpler. 
 True, she had lied to Kilian, but Kilian had accepted 
 the responsibility by going off with her, knowing that 
 he was not legally bound to her. A little while ago 
 Byrd would have thought that the very knowledge of 
 this would have swept away all her love for him, but 
 it was not so. To her love for him was now added 
 intense pity. If she dared she would have gone to 
 him and said : " Take me, and I will make you forget 
 all the past sorrow you have had ". Everything 
 
 pointed to her accepting him — everything but her 
 
 U 
 
210 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 one idea of duty and of what was right. Somewhere 
 there must be a perfect standard. Dagmar would 
 laugh at her for her scruples, but Byrd doubted Dag- 
 mar now — she doubted everything ; she was half-afraid 
 of a strong influence. 
 
 But the minutes were going, the boy was waiting. 
 She could even see him in the lane earnestly cutting 
 a stick, not liking to stay indoors because there was 
 a corpse in the house. Death was everywhere, but 
 that was nothing in comparison to the heartache 
 that she felt. Mental pain is worse than death. 
 
 She seized a pen and wrote : — 
 
 Dear Mr. Tresiddar, 
 
 I won't answer all your letter because I cannot. You say your- 
 self that I cannot understand all these questions. I only know that 
 there must be a right and wrong in everything. I could not feel that 
 I was right if I followed what my heart says, because some higher 
 law would reproach me. If the marriage service has no meaning, 
 then you can be bound without it. I feel that you could not belong 
 to me, nor I to you, and our love would be spoilt without that feeling. I 
 do love you with all my heart, and because I love you I will ask Heaven 
 to give me strength to say " No "■ As long as she is alive a promise 
 binds you two together, and Daisy binds you together. Think of 
 all the innocent children who have suffered for this very reason. I 
 may be foolish, ignorant, too innocent, but my conscience says no ! 
 Don't make it harder for me. There is time to reclaim even a bad 
 woman as long as life lasts. Try it I If you think me hard now, 
 some day you may thank me. In any case you know that I have 
 loved you. 
 
 Byrd. 
 
 She would have liked to write her note again, 
 but she could not wait longer, and she walked down 
 
A FADED DREAM 211 
 
 her wooden stairs and gave the note herself to the 
 boy. 
 
 He touched his hat, and he told her that the pony 
 carriage was coming in the afternoon to see if Mr. 
 Grant Leworthy would take, a drive. 
 
 " Did you bring a note for him ? " 
 
 " Yes, ma'am, and the Countess said that I was to 
 ask if you wanted anything." 
 
 Byrd shook her head. 
 
 Her beautiful dream had lasted a very short time. 
 It had faded now, faded like the glories of a sunset 
 sky. But would there be another dawn ? 
 
CHAPTER XXII 
 
 APPLES OF SODOM 
 
 Until after the funeral Byrd lived as if she were in 
 a dream. She was the support of her mother and 
 she managed all the business there was to do, but she 
 did everything mechanically. She knew that Mr. 
 Tresiddar and his sister had left the castle, but she 
 also heard from Dr. Voss — who was kindness itself to 
 her — that they were coming back in ten days. That 
 fact dimly penetrated her brain, and she recurred to 
 it again and again, but in conclusion she always said 
 to herself, " I would rather they did not return ". 
 
 Dagmar had written one short note to her, a note 
 Byrd had read over many times without being able 
 to recognise its full meaning : — 
 
 Oh, Byrd, why have you been so foolish ? I trusted you. You 
 are wrong, entirely wrong. No woman in her senses would tell 
 Kilian to put himself legally in that woman's power. Won't you 
 believe me ? He is broken-hearted, and I must take him away for a 
 Uttle while. When I come back I will let you know, and by that 
 time you must have changed your mind. If you could see his dumb 
 sorrow you could not hold out against it. Your idea is purely 
 quixotic, born of ignorance of all the evils of this world. I. won't 
 write more. I am taking him to London, where I hope to distract 
 
 (212) 
 
APPLES OF SODOM 213 
 
 his mind. He was so good to me that I feel bound not to forsake 
 him, as you have done, though this means, I fear, leaving you to face 
 your sadness alone. Poor little Byrd ! I think your state is better 
 than one of callous indifference which I have gone through. Men 
 are right, after all ; women are swayed merely by impulses. I know 
 that I never can be sure of my actions, and yet all the while I am not 
 for a moment influenced by my affections. You cannot understand 
 that, you dear, good, simple, foolish child. 
 In haste, from your disappointed 
 
 Dagmar. 
 
 Byrd had acted on impulse, too, that day, the im- 
 pulse engendered by habitually doing what she con- 
 sidered to be her first duty. Every day as she read 
 Dagmar's letter, dumbly wondering, she asked herself, 
 had she been wrong? What was duty? Was it to 
 crush every passionate feeling of love which Heaven 
 had planted in her nature, and was it to decide the 
 right and wrong of a changing code of morality? 
 Was Dagmar, who knew the world, right, and was 
 she herself wrong? Byrd's first impulse to break 
 away from Kilian had been heart-breaking, but it was 
 nothing to the pain she felt now during this quiet 
 monotony, which gave her time for thought. It was, 
 besides, not to be compared to the rebellion which 
 was taking possession of her, nothing to the almost 
 overwhelming desire to throw all her possibly foolish 
 scruples to the winds, and to go to him and say, 
 " Here I am, I belong to you". 
 
 But mentally retracing her steps, she again argued 
 that she had done it for Daisy's sake. But what had 
 
214 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 she done? Was she certain that Daisy would ever 
 benefit by her sacrifice? If her mother got hold of 
 her, would that be a benefit to the child ? Kilian had 
 intimated that nothing should induce him to let the 
 mother take possession of the child. And for other 
 reasons — reasons upon which her pure mind would 
 not linger — it might be that Kilian and Dagmar were 
 in the right and she herself in the wrong. 
 
 Had her people at this time thought much about 
 Byrd, they would have been shocked at the change 
 which these few days wrought in her, but she never 
 expected sympathy, and so no one dreamt that she 
 needed it ; indeed, no one knew of her pain. Her 
 mother was overwhelmed with her own misfortune, 
 and Grant shut himself up, saying that he required 
 solitude for his literary work. He was, in fact, 
 suffering from the absence of the Countess and her 
 apparent forgetfulness of him, for Dagmar's mind 
 was full of other things, and in truth, when absent, 
 she never gave Grant Leworthy a thought. 
 
 So death had come to the upland farm arid had 
 shattered not only dreams but realities. Sir David 
 Tracey had written a sympathetic letter to Mrs. Le- 
 worthy, saying that he hoped she would stay at the 
 farm until such a time as she could make other 
 arrangements, at the same time regretting that her 
 son was unfitted to continue his father's work. When 
 Mrs. Leworthy had settled her plans, he would find 
 
APPLES OF SODOM 215 
 
 another tenant ; in the meanwhile he hoped, as often 
 as possible, to send his bailiff to see after the farm. 
 
 "That will be very inconvenient for Sir David, 
 mother," said Byrd, looking up from her work. She 
 was trimming a bonnet for her mother, who sat by 
 with folded hands, too miserable even to complain. 
 " We must go away as soon as possible." 
 
 "Go where, Byrd? It is easy for you to say this 
 when your future is assured. You don't think of me 
 and of poor Grant." 
 
 " My future is the same as yours, mother. I have 
 broken off my engagement." 
 
 Byrd said this firmly, making a great effort to 
 appear calm. 
 
 " Broken off your engagement ! What nonsense ! 
 I — I don't know what you mean, Byrd ! I ^m sure 
 just now, as things have turned out, it was the happiest 
 thing for us all, and Mr. Tresiddar seemed disposed 
 to be kind and helpful." 
 
 " Yes, he is kind, the best and kindest of men," said 
 Byrd fiercely ; " but it can't be, mother. Don't ask 
 me any more about it. In any case my duty is to 
 stay and help you and Grant, though that isn't my 
 real reason." 
 
 Mrs. Leworthy looked up wonderingly at Byrd. 
 She noticed the look of suffering in her daughter's 
 face, and her complaint changed. 
 
 " Oh, it's a quarrel, I suppose ! You must bear 
 
216 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 me witness, Byrd, that I always was against that 
 foolish business. You would go and put yourself 
 under obligations to rich people, and this is the end 
 of it ! I suppose he has thought better of marrying 
 a penniless girl." 
 
 Byrd started up. Her very character seemed 
 changed. She who before had always been patient 
 and cheerful. 
 
 " Mother, I won't have you say a word against him ! 
 He is good — oh, so good ! If any one is to blame, I 
 believe I am. At least, I don't know ; but don't say 
 that he gives me up. He wants me." 
 
 " Oh, then, it's some silly idea of your own. You 
 always were headstrong. I have never been able to 
 guide you. If I had had my way you would have 
 been working now at something, instead of having 
 wasted your time idling here, and you might now 
 have had a home to offer us." 
 
 " I can work," said Byrd, still fiercely. " Let us go 
 away as soon as possible, mother. Sir David will 
 make it easy for us ; he will be only too glad. Oh, 
 I want to go away. I — I can't stay here." 
 
 Byrd's cry was as the cry of a wounded animal. 
 
 "It is all as I foresaw. If you listened sometimes 
 to your mother, Byrd, it would be happier for you and 
 for all of us." 
 
 Byrd was too miserable for more words. She felt 
 intensely angry against fate, against her mother, 
 
APPLES OF SODOM 21 7 
 
 against everything and everybody. Was this, then, 
 the end and the result of her grand principles ? How 
 she despised herself 1 And, moreover, she felt that 
 her heart was becoming hard — hard as a stone. She 
 had been so different only last week, when she had 
 walked by Kilian's side feeling that he loved her, and 
 that all the world was beautiful because of their love 
 for each other, and now this secret had come between 
 them. Why had he not said so at the beginning? 
 Why had he let her love him, if this was to be the 
 end of it ? Then to her mind came the answer again 
 with new force. He never thought that she would 
 forsake him ; he never believed that she would set up 
 her ideas of right and wrong against his ! 
 
 Then once more Byrd went over all the story, and 
 wondered what was the right and the wrong of the 
 question. When he was wooing that first love, Kilian 
 would have been the first to deny the possibility of 
 his being anxious to break his word. At the time he 
 might, even knowing the truth, have still said, in his 
 mad passion for the unworthy woman : " Let me take 
 my chance ". Even Byrd saw this, and now she was 
 only thinking what he once himself would have said 
 and done. She was taking his part against himself. 
 
 The beautiful country which had delighted her in 
 her moments of happiness now seemed to mock her. 
 Her pretty balcony was hateful to her. She thought 
 that she would never have the heart to sing again. 
 
218 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 f But even with this weight upon her, daily Hfe must 
 be thought about, and so must the real poverty which 
 stared them in the face. What could she do? She 
 felt that she was not trained for any special work, 
 and training was now almost a necessity. Grant 
 might be a genius, but he was at present unrecognised. 
 The two women must not depend upon him. They 
 must drift to London, where so many drift who know 
 not where else to hide their poverty. 
 
 One evening, when the time for Dagmar's return 
 was near at hand, Byrd sat up studying the advertise- 
 ments in a copy of the Daily Telegraph. If she 
 could have gone out into the world alone, she knew 
 that she could have kept herself, but she could 
 not forsake her mother and Grant. Suddenly there 
 was a knock at the door, and Grant entered, dragging 
 his lame foot after him as a prisoner does his chains. 
 
 " Byrd," he said, throwing himself into the first 
 chair he found, " it won't do; I can't work " 
 
 Byrd passed her hand over his forehead and looked 
 at him, without quite taking in the meaning of his 
 words. 
 
 " Poor Grant ; well, never mind." 
 
 " Mind ! Byrd what do you mean ? Don't you 
 see that I can't bear this strain ! I shall go out of 
 my mind." 
 
 " But it is the same for all of us. Mother bears it 
 better than I expected." 
 
APPLES OF SODOM 219 
 
 " You don't understand. I thought that I hai^ 
 found my career at last. I believed in myself be- 
 cause she believed in me, and now she has not even 
 answered one of my letters." 
 
 Byrd stood up and laughed softly. It was an ironi- 
 cal laugh — one that no one could have heard a 
 month ago. 
 
 "Oh, is it that? How could you be so foolish, 
 Grant, as to imagine that she would care about — 
 us?" 
 
 Byrd softened her sentence at the end. i 
 
 " Oh, you can be hard because Mr. Tresiddar " 
 
 "Haven't I told you? It is all at an end. We 
 three must now hold together, mustn't we? " 
 
 A little softness came back to her voice, but it was 
 far from her heart. 
 
 " Do you mean it ? " 
 
 " Of course I do. I shall never marry." 
 
 " What nonsense ! You, at least, have nothing 
 to " 
 
 " Grant, don't talk of it. We: must think of the 
 present necessity. Leave the future. Mother wants 
 to go to London, and so do I. At least, I don't care. 
 Anyhow, it is the best ptece for you. You must 
 work now, for mother's sake." 
 
 She spoke now as if all life were a mere matter of 
 business. 
 
 " It's all very well for you — you always were sen- 
 
220 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 sible and unromantic ; but look here, Byrd," he con- 
 tinued savagely, " I can't think of any one but of 
 her, I can't work except with the hope that she 
 cares. Life isn't worth a brass farthing for me un- 
 less she " 
 
 " All this would sound well in a book ; but please 
 think of reality. Sir David wants us to go away as 
 soon as possible. I have found some lodgings that 
 will do for the present, and I have been packing up 
 to-day. Mother frets here, so we may as- well take 
 her away." 
 
 " Not before her return, Byrd. I can't go ; I must 
 see her." 
 
 " You had better not ; but please yourself." 
 
 Byrd felt that she was cruel. 
 
 Grant looked at his sister, and he slowly realised 
 the great change that had come over her. 
 
 " What is the matter with you ? " 
 
 She nearly burst into tears, nearly told him every- 
 thing, but she remembered that it was Kilian's secret, 
 not hers. She would be true to him to the last. 
 
 " I suppose I feel lonely, too," she said as calmly 
 as she could ; " but it's no use talking of feelings. 
 We must go to London and try to find work as soon 
 as possible. You must do your best to — to forget 
 her. Besides, she would never care about you, of 
 course. You know there are many men who could 
 give her — oh, everything she wants." 
 
APPLES OF SODOM 221 
 
 " I know ; she was only kind to me. But one is 
 not always master of oneself." 
 
 " A woman is braver than a man," said Byrd, feeling 
 her superiority. 
 
 Grant rose. 
 
 " No, a woman only appears braver. A woman 
 never sees anything in the right light," and with that 
 he left her. 
 
 " Poor Grant, poor Grant ! " said Byrd, hiding her 
 face against a low chair, and crying as if her heart 
 would break. " I am sorry for him, only I must not 
 show it. It is my fault, too. If I had never gone 
 there ! I have ruined his life as well as my own ! " 
 
CHAPTER XXIII 
 
 THE LAST EVENING 
 
 The Leworthy's were to start very early the next 
 morning. All was ready for their departure, for Byrd 
 had worked till from sheer bodily fatigue she could 
 not work any more. It was a beautiful evening, so 
 beautiful that the glory of the setting sun flooded the 
 hill, and sent a gold, quivering light through the leaves. 
 The stream reflected the sunset glory as well as the 
 passing white clouds. Byrd only felt weary of the 
 loveliness ; it said nothing pleasant to her, and the 
 stream merely gurgled its secret of sorrow to her ears. 
 It was Kilian's secret. 
 
 As Byrd sat in the old sitting-room, looking out of 
 the window, her mother came in. 
 
 " Everything is really finished. I'm sure that 
 without you we never could have got away so soon, 
 and now I'm almost sorry we did not accept Sir 
 David's offer of staying longer." 
 
 " It is much better that we should go," said 
 Byrd. 
 
 " You always were hopeful ; but I'm sure, when we 
 (222) 
 
THE LAST EVENING 223 
 
 have spent the money in the bank, there is nothing 
 but the workhouse before us." 
 
 "Grant will work." 
 
 " I never have relied on Grant, and now he seems so 
 queer. You both are ; I don't know what to make of 
 you." 
 
 " Poor Grant ! Oh, mother, we must cheer him up. 
 He has so much to bear." 
 
 Byrd's heart melted. She had thought so much of 
 herself, and she had forgotten Grant's double burden. 
 
 " If you had not been so foolish about Mr. Tresiddar 
 everything might have been different." 
 
 " Yes, but that is done. You don't wish me to go 
 to him and " 
 
 Byrd paused ; even as she scornfully said these 
 words an intense desire to go to him seized her. 
 
 " I don't understand what you mean by it all. I 
 heard that he and the Countess came back this morn- 
 ing. If they had been the true friends they pretended 
 to be, of course they would have come to say good-bye." 
 
 " It is truer kindness on their part to stay away." 
 
 " And that -little Daisy. You seemed to be so fond 
 of her." 
 
 " I am still— I love the child." 
 
 " Well, anyhow, you don't act as if you did." 
 
 " Mother, you are tired. Go to bed early, and I 
 will see to everything." 
 
 " Of course I'm a drag on you," said Mrs. Leworthy 
 
224 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 in her fretful voice ; " but you must remember, Byrd, 
 that I never thought any good would come of your 
 fine friends. I wish you had never seen them." 
 
 Byrd could not echo those words. She had known 
 happiness, even if she had lost it. 
 
 Her mother retired to bed. Byrd waited till she 
 heard her shut her door. Where was Grant? She 
 stole upstairs. His door was open ; he was not there. 
 
 He cannot have gone out so far as that, she thought. 
 Should she go and look for him? She put on her 
 hat and ran downstairs. The loneliness did not frighten 
 her. It was still beautiful, and the moon had risen. 
 Unconsciously Byrd took the downward path. She 
 did not reason much with herself, she only knew that 
 her feet took that path of their own accord. She ran on 
 — no one would miss her ; she was ostensibly looking 
 for Grant. But how could Grant have got as far as 
 this ? On and on she went ; at last she paused. 
 Where was she going? She realised suddenly that 
 she was going to the castle, and that she was going to 
 see Kilian, and then to give up the struggle. He knew 
 best ; he must decide for her, she was willing to believe 
 in him ; but chiefly — oh, yes, chiefly — it was because 
 she loved him, that she would give up her own judg- 
 ment and rest on his. 
 
 When she had decided this question a great weight 
 seemed to fall from her. She paused and looked round 
 her, and for the first time since that terrible day she 
 
THE LAST EVENING 225 
 
 could see the beauty that encompassed her. She 
 
 laughed softly in her joy. All was made easy now. 
 
 They should go to London and he would come and 
 
 see her, and then, then— ^oh ! how could she have 
 
 doubted ? How could she for a moment have believed 
 
 that she was strong enough to stand alone without 
 
 him ? He had sinned, but who has not ? And now 
 
 he wished to choose the path which would save Daisy 
 
 from a life of bad example, if not worse. He possessed 
 
 the true instincts of a father, whilst she had been 
 
 arguing from wrong premises. 
 
 The stream rushed on, tumbling over boulders, and 
 
 the path was lighted at intervals with bright patches 
 
 of moonlight It was not late, she would reach the 
 
 castle by nine o'clock. Dagmar would be happy and 
 
 forgive her. It was natural she should have been 
 
 hurt at her conduct. Her brother must naturally come 
 
 first in her affections. Now she, Byrd, would be a 
 
 help to Dagmar, she would surround her with love, so 
 
 that her past would be forgotten, and she would no 
 
 longer be tempted to throw herself in the path of men 
 
 who had no high ideals of life. As for Grant, he 
 
 would soon realise that his love must have nothing 
 
 earthly in it, that Dagmar had never intended to hurt 
 
 him, only to help him. She could not help being 
 
 beautiful and fascinating, and the moths must learn 
 
 not to approach too near to her. 
 
 Down, down the little path. Never had her feet 
 15 
 
226 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 moved more quickly, never had her heart bounded 
 with more hope. She was going to him, she was 
 coming nearer to him every moment. She wanted to 
 give him all her love freely, willingly. He wanted 
 her, no other woman could be to him what she could 
 be. Byrd realised fully what her love meant now. 
 All that she had done for the love of her own people 
 — who took everything as a matter of course — Was as 
 nothing to what she would and could do for him. 
 
 Now she had reached the end of the path, and she 
 stepped down on to the main road leading up to the 
 castle. She would have preferred going by the 
 private path, but she knew that the little gate would 
 be locked. She must go up under the archway and 
 round by the drive. Perhaps Dagmar and Kilian 
 would be on the terrace ; Daisy would be gone to bed. 
 Her heart beat so fast that she could hardly proceed. 
 Suddenly she stood on the cliff path and the great 
 ocean came in view. It was very calm, there was 
 hardly a wave upon it, only innumerable ripples seen 
 so distinctly across the path of the moon, brilliant as 
 opals. Byrd sat down for a moment on an old mile- 
 stone which had fallen on its face and no longer told 
 its information of measure. The secrets of the deep 
 ocean lay hidden out there, byt the invisible life below 
 the waves was not less real because it was invisible. 
 So it was with all human beings, the unseen was the 
 real. Invisible life in nature was a great fact. Every- 
 
THE LAST EVENING 227 
 
 where on the earth was much beauty which the eye 
 of man never saw, and yet the beauty was a fact, and 
 had its appointed utility even if men knew it not. 
 
 The invisible life of man and woman — what was 
 it ? Was it less real because it was invisible ? That 
 innumerable crowd of thoughts, of aspirations, of 
 whisperings, for good and for evil, all these were not 
 less real because no one heard them and no one could 
 imagine them. Would the analogy break down ? No ; 
 rather man's hidden life was of more use than the 
 hidden life of nature. Those myriads of unspoken 
 words, and those myriads of unrevealed feelings, were, 
 perhaps, of more consequence than visible actions and 
 audible speech. 
 
 Suddenly Byrd hid her face in her hands ; the great 
 weight, so lately thrown off, had fallen on her again. 
 
 " Oh, Heaven, what am I doing ? Help me to be 
 true — true to that silent life, to my own conscience. 
 It may be wrong of me, but it is my only guide, 
 which has grown up with me and become my best 
 self." 
 
 Again she realised that to her the deed was sin, be- 
 cause to her it meant breaking away from all the best 
 feelings and impulses of her whole life. Byrd knew 
 it would alter her whole future prospective. She 
 knew that if she gave in now, her entire mental 
 vision must change, and that she must in future war 
 against all that was best in herself. There must be 
 
228 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 civil war in her heart, old thought against new thought, 
 old belief againt present action. 
 
 Then she stood up, and she made yet one more step 
 towards the castle gate. One more, and then the 
 nightjar croaked, and the moon was suddenly hidden 
 behind a passing cloud, and nature seemed to frown 
 darkly upon her. 
 
 A cry escaped her lips, and she turned and fled — 
 fled away from the castle and away from the terrible 
 temptation. On and on she went, but now upwards, 
 always upwards, not heeding the loose stones or the 
 brambles, not thinking of her pain, only of one last 
 wild desire to be true to her higher nature, true to her 
 best womanly impulses. She had fallen, she had 
 given place to those other thoughts, and the retreat 
 was painful. She was wounded by the darts of the 
 enemy ; she heard, above every other thought, the dim 
 mocking jeers of the evil spirits within her. She had 
 been so close to happiness, and yet she was giving it 
 up ! " What a fool you are ! " said the mocking voices ; 
 but above it all rose her feeble, but still audible, cry 
 of:— 
 
 " I cannot, I will not ! Oh, Heaven help me ! " 
 
 " Miss Leworthy ! " 
 
 She uttered a little cry of fright, and then she be- 
 came dumb. It was Dr. Voss who stood before her. 
 
 "Did I frighten you? Forgive me. I was sum- 
 moned to the upper farm, but I was kept so long that 
 
THE LAST EVENING 229 
 
 I did not dare call in upon you, especially as I saw 
 no sign of life. I am glad that I have met you ; but 
 you are alone." 
 
 " Yes ; I was afraid that Grant was out. He is 
 imprudent at times." 
 
 Byrd spoke confusedly ; she even blushed as she 
 stood in the moonlight. Then suddenly that innate 
 desire for sympathy broke down her shyness. 
 
 " Oh, Dr. Voss, I am glad I met you. I want you 
 to take a message for me to — the Countess, and to 
 Mr. Tresiddar. Tell them that I went to the castle 
 meaning to say good-bye, but that I — I thought it 
 was too late. Tell them I am so sorry, but that 
 good-byes are horrid, and that it is better not to say 
 them when they are — when they must be — for the 
 last time." 
 
 " Is it so, really ? " he asked, so kindly, so gently, 
 that Byrd had nearly unburdened her mind to him ; 
 but for Kilian's sake she refrained. 
 
 " Yes, really and truly. I can't explain, but our 
 paths must be so different in future that it would only 
 be pain to me to wish to see any of them again. I 
 would rather they did not know even where we are." , 
 
 " I have no right to question you, but there is yet 
 time. Are you sure ? " 
 
 "Don't, don't," said Byrd in a low voice; "don't 
 say that again. Good-bye. Thank you for all your 
 yndness," 
 
230 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 "Thank you for — loving her," he said slowly. 
 "You are doing wrong to give her up. She wants 
 you now more than ever. I am sure of that." 
 
 " But some duties must come first. My path is 
 quite plain, and so is my duty to my mother. Good- 
 bye." 
 
 He kept her hand in his for a few moments. 
 
 "I shall believe you," he said. "You are one of 
 those women who make men believe that a woman 
 will do right whatever temptation may fall in her 
 way. You little guess the good you do." 
 
 Byrd was abased to the very ground. She could 
 not answer that remark. 
 
 " If you see Grant, help him to come home. Poor 
 Grant ! " 
 
 " I will. And remember that all have to suffer 
 sooner or later, but that only a few of us are victors. 
 Good-bye. God bless you ! " 
 
CHAPTER XXIV 
 
 DEPARTED 
 
 KiLlAN little guessed that Byrd had been so nearly 
 his. That evening he and Dagmar once more talked 
 the subject over, and Dagmar remarked : — 
 
 " If I were you, Kilian, I would go and try once 
 more to-morrow. They are not gone." 
 
 " It will be of no use." 
 
 " Something tells me that she will relent." 
 
 " Then you don't know her. No, my life is ended 
 as far as she is concerned." 
 
 " You always were easily disheartened. Besides, 
 they will be very poor." 
 
 Dagmar rose and threw open the window. 
 
 " Are you thinking that poverty would be stronger 
 
 than her principles ? " 
 
 - " Well, people must live, and Grant won't make 
 
 much money yet. By the way, that ridiculous boy 
 
 has been showering notes upon me. Praise me, 
 
 Kilian ; remembering your sage advice, I did not 
 
 answer them." 
 
 " Was that the reason ? " 
 
 (331) 
 
232 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 " Well, also we were busy in town. By the way, I 
 thought I should like this charming solitude again, 
 and already I am tired of it. Dr. Voss won't call till 
 to-morrow. I wonder whether his admirer is making 
 him an offer ! Dear, how odd she was ! I laugh 
 every time that I think of it." 
 
 Kilian was not in a mood to enjoy his sister's 
 levity. 
 
 " I have found out that she has gone away, 
 Dagmar. I suppose I shall now be allowed to rest 
 for a while ; but Daisy becomes more and more a 
 diiificulty." 
 
 " If you had taken my advice, and left her where 
 she was " 
 
 " The only good thing I ever did in my life." 
 
 " Men never argue on sensible lines." 
 
 " They have ideas of honour." 
 
 "Well, I must differ. Honour is a word which 
 they translate in a strange fashion." 
 
 "Women will allow several men to make love to 
 them." 
 
 "And men will do it." Dagmar broke off and 
 yawned. " Oh, we are all miserable sinners, I dare 
 say, so it's best to acknowledge the fact, and to say 
 nothing more about it." 
 
 " Byrd would not say that." 
 
 " A simpleton of the first water. Kilian, you drive 
 me distracted, I — I am going to travel again, qnd 
 
DEPARTED 233 
 
 throw up this stupid castle. Come with me. I must 
 go to town for a few >weeks, and rig up my wardrobe ; 
 after that " 
 
 " After that ? " 
 
 " Oh, the Baron will be sure to turn up and direct 
 our ways." 
 
 " Your way, I am sure, had better not run parallel 
 with his." 
 
 " He is so little in earnest except about one 
 thing. 
 
 "One thing?" 
 
 " Yes ; he wants to marry me, and I " 
 
 " You will agree with him ? " 
 
 " No. I don't in the least wish to marry him. It's 
 the tussle between us which amuses me." 
 
 " Dagmar, do take care." 
 
 " I shall win " 
 
 " You will lose. That man " 
 
 " No man is stronger than a woman. Why, the 
 Bible says so." 
 
 " A woman with a mind of her own — Byrd, for 
 instance." 
 
 " Thanks. I have no mind of my own ! " 
 
 "Unstable as water." 
 
 " Yes, but water slips through the fingers, and is 
 stronger than anything else at times." 
 
 " I will go to-morrow morning and try once more," 
 said Kilian when he wishecj his sister good-night, 
 
234 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 He walked up to Daisy's nursery, and looked down 
 on the sleeping child. Then he stooped to kiss her. 
 Her nurse had gone downstairs. 
 
 " Poor babe ! No — at least I can be true to you," 
 he thought. 
 
 Daisy shivered and woke up. 
 
 " Oh, Dads, I was dreaming of something." 
 
 " Something nice, Daisy ? " 
 
 "Of Byrd, my Byrd. Why doesn't she come 
 here?" 
 
 " She has lost her father, and is going away." 
 
 "Poor Byrd ! I won't lose you, Dads." 
 
 " No, darling, you shan't. Go to sleep." 
 
 She closed her eyes ; she was always obedient to 
 him. He walked away and felt comforted. He 
 would cling to the child even though she came be- 
 tween him and his earthly happiness. As to reclaim- 
 ing Daisy's mother, as well try and reclaim the Sahara 
 single-handed ! Byrd's sweet womanliness could not 
 understand such a case. It was better she should not, 
 even if her ignorance placed a barrier between them. 
 A man who once believes in a woman's purity is 
 lifted to higher planes of thought by his belief. 
 Kilian spent half the night in wondering if she would 
 change her mind, and in hoping against his own 
 hopes. His ideal would be shattered If his happiness 
 were won. 
 
 But the next morning Dagmar was down late for 
 
DEPARTED 235 
 
 breakfast, and Kilian had some business letters to 
 write, so that it was eleven o'clock before he started 
 up the glen. The beauty did not appeal to him to- 
 day ; he only tried again and again to find some new 
 argument to use when he should see her. To see her 
 seemed almost enough happiness for him. To look 
 into those bright, loving eyes, in which guile could 
 have no abode, that would indeed fill his soul with 
 joy. 
 
 But the upland farm was buried in its leafy 
 crown. He could not see Byrd's balcony now till 
 he came close up to it, and then something in 
 the look of the place struck terror into his heart. 
 He went round to the back, where a country girl 
 was cleaning the bricks. She raised her peony-red 
 face and answered in broad Devonshire that all 
 the folk were gone to London. When pressed to 
 give the address, she repeated that of course it was 
 London town, and nothing else could Kilian get out 
 of her. 
 
 Gone, quite gone. Yes. So that was the end of 
 his romance, and his love had left no address. She 
 did not wish to be followed. She had remained true 
 to her ideal, and he must not drag her down to his 
 level. But oh, the loneliness — the loneliness of his 
 life! 
 
 Going down the glen again he hardly could even 
 think. At the castle gate he met Dr, Vo§s, 
 
236 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 " May I come up ? " Dr, Voss's professional manner 
 had disappeared. 
 
 " Please come." 
 
 The Doctor noticed the despondent look. He only 
 knew half the reason of it. 
 
 " Miss Leworthy is a devoted daughter," he said. 
 
 " Yes. I find that they have gone. I thought I 
 should have been in time to say good-bye." 
 
 The Doctor kept his own counsel about his meeting 
 with Byrd the previous evening. He felt sure that 
 there was some mystery, the solution of which was 
 hidden from him. 
 
 " She believes that her first duty is now to take care 
 of her mother and her cripple brother." 
 
 " Of course, they cannot do without her," said Kilian, 
 trying to speak naturally. 
 
 " Not just now, but by-and-by perhaps " 
 
 " Oh, she is a woman who will sacrifice anything 
 and everything for a supposed duty." 
 
 " To the mind that believes in a duty it is one." 
 
 " Often pure sophistry." 
 
 They had reached the castle gate. 
 
 " Come in," said Kilian. " My sister is very unsettled 
 about her plans." 
 
 " Ah ! " Dr. Voss's voice sounded strange. 
 
 " She is never happy long in any one place, and 
 perhaps a change will " 
 
 Kilian did npt know how tg fitjish ^he s^ntenc?, 
 
DEPARTED 237 
 
 The two men felt shy in each other's company, for 
 both had a presentiment that probable failure was 
 their portion. 
 
 Dagmar was standing bathed in the sunshine of the 
 drawing-room window. She was one of those women 
 who love sunshine in every form, and she never will- 
 ingly shut out the sunlight. She wore a dress of pale 
 blue material. " A brilliant star in a blue sky," 
 thought Dr. Voss, who was in the poetic stage of love. 
 Dagmar turned quickly round. 
 
 " I wanted to see you, Dr. Voss." 
 
 " I am very glad," he said, his keen eyes lighting 
 up. 
 
 Kilian disappeared. He could not yet bear to see 
 any love-making. 
 
 " You never wrote to me." 
 
 " I had nothing new to say," he answered. 
 
 " Just for that reason 1 wanted to hear. It was 
 a pity. I had to seek some other form of excite- 
 ' ment." 
 
 His manner lost its gaiety at once. 
 
 " I must have very little reality for you if the 
 ithought of me depends on a letter." 
 
 " Out of sight, out of mind ! It is so often like that 
 with me. Why don't you cure me ? " 
 
 " There is but one way." 
 
 "What is it?" 
 
 " Marry me before you leave the castle." 
 
238 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 Dagmar laughed happily. 
 
 "You are the most original man alive! What 
 would this little world say? The Squire, and your 
 sister, and — Miss Dulcie ! " 
 
 Dr. Voss looked annoyed. 
 
 " Are you ever in earnest ? " 
 
 She stood up, and her face altered suddenly. Its 
 expression was terribly in earnest. 
 
 " Give me back my child." 
 
 " Why think of a child when one is leading the life 
 of — of a woman of the world ? " 
 
 Dagmar was angry. 
 
 " I hate moralising. No, I mean to leave this place 
 at once. Kilian is too unhappy here, and I owe him a 
 great deal. I shall take him back to town, hire a 
 furnished house, and forget Seawater." 
 
 "You did not forget here, you will not forget 
 there." 
 
 " Is this world not fitted for me ? Forgetfulness, 
 where is it ? " 
 
 Dr. Voss took her hand, and she did not snatch it 
 away. His face looked so good, so strong, so far 
 removed from that other face belonging to that other 
 man who meant to marry her, that she was touched. 
 
 " My darling," he said softly. " You shall be mine 
 of your own free will, not by compulsion." 
 
 " And I have no free will ! " 
 
 "You have it — don't part with it. Now tell me 
 
Departed m 
 
 what to do for you. I think I know of a house in 
 town that will suit you." 
 
 " Oh ! " said Dagmar softly — and at that moment 
 she was a perfect type of womanhood. " If I did not 
 love you a little even now I would say ' yes,' but you 
 deserve some one better." 
 
 " Then wait till you love me more." 
 
CHAPTER XXV 
 
 PEPPERMINT LOZENGES 
 
 Miss Dulcie Jeff believed in peppermint lozenges 
 as manufactured by Mr. Chegwidden. They possessed 
 the magical power of curing the first tiny, tiny begin- 
 ning of hoarseness in her dear father's throat, and thus 
 warding off disastrous consequences. Mr. Chegwid- 
 den was therefore not surprised when next day Miss 
 Dulcie paid him an early visit with a request for his 
 drops. 
 
 " Oh, Mr. Chegwidden, I have just run out of your 
 excellent lozenges. Can you give me a few ounces of 
 them ? Dear papa will take no others. We slip one 
 into his mouth sometimes when he's not looking. He 
 is so surprised, but he has to acknowledge that they 
 do him good." 
 
 " I am very glad, Miss, but I have only these few 
 left." 
 
 " Then I must have them. I am sure that this 
 
 morning he has a little tiny, tiny tickling in his 
 
 throat, and unless we stop it, it may develop into 
 
 bronchitis." 
 
 (240) 
 
PEPPERMINT LOZENGES 241 
 
 " So it might, Miss. I'm sorry I sold the last ounce 
 to the gal as has left Leworthy's farm. The family 
 is all gone, and she said her throat was dry from 
 washing up after them." 
 
 " Gone ! I did not know they were going so soon. 
 We have never called on them." 
 
 " Seawater will be dull without the castle folk. I 
 hear they're going to leave us also, Miss." 
 
 Miss Dulcie gasped. 
 
 " Oh, are they going, too ? I am glad ! " 
 
 " They brought a lot of trade here. Miss," said Mr. 
 Chegwidden deprecatingly. 
 
 " Trade ! " Miss Dulcie cast her eyes up. " Squire 
 Hammond does not wish Seawater ever to become a 
 fashionable resort." 
 
 " No, Miss, worse luck for us." 
 
 " If s better to be select. If many people came you 
 would have no time to make dear papa's lozenges. 
 I'll take these few. Thank you. Now we shall be 
 as we were in the old days before the castle was full 
 of these strange foreigners." 
 
 Dulcie seemed to tread on air as she went down 
 
 the village street ; indeed, her hurried, jerky steps 
 
 made her appear to be literally walking on some 
 
 elastic substance. The Countess was going, but the 
 
 Vosses would still remain at Seawater. The dear 
 
 doctor would forget the wiles of that woman, and in 
 
 this sudden exodus Dulcie saw the fruit of her mission 
 
 16 
 
242 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 to Dagmar. True domestic love must conquer in the 
 end, and old passions would rekindle when the withered 
 fire of foreign widows was extinguished. This was 
 the language in which Dulcie mentally conversed till 
 she reached home, and rushed into Dora's room ex- 
 claiming : — 
 
 " How is he, dear ? Has he coughed again ? " 
 
 " No, darling, he only cleared his throat once. I 
 left his door open, so I am sure 1 should have heard 
 if he had done it more than once." 
 
 " Once is more than enough. I have got these 
 four lozenges by passionate pleadings with Mr. 
 Chegwidden. But I have such news, dear, such 
 news ! Only first I must go and give papa his cer- 
 tain cure." 
 
 The General was still attired in his dressing-gown. 
 He held the Standard in his hand, but the morning 
 being warm, his head had fallen back in his chair 
 dozing. It must be owned at once that his mouth 
 was open, and that what Dulcie called his " dear, 
 sweet, heavy breathing " was audible. 
 
 She approached on tip-toe, and dropped a pepper- 
 mint lozenge into his mouth. The poor gentleman 
 started up feeling, as well as demonstrating, that he 
 was nearly choked. 
 
 " What on earth are you doing, Dulcie ? " 
 
 " Oh, dear papa, I didn't mean to wake you ! I 
 did it so gently, I thought it would melt there 
 
PEPPERMINT LOZENGES 24,3 
 
 unperceived, and that you would wake up without 
 your troublesome irritation." 
 
 " Troublesome irritation, why, that's what you have 
 given me with that " 
 
 Then recovering himself, the General finished cough- 
 ing instead of swearing. 
 
 " I am sure you meant it kindly, Dulcie, but an- 
 other time do wait till I am awake." 
 
 " But, darling, you know if your tiny ticklings are 
 not taken in time " 
 
 The General knew by heart all that his devoted 
 daughter would say, so that he was not deprived of 
 much knowledge when Dora ran in and interrupted 
 her sister. 
 
 " Dulcie, dear ! quick, give me the drops. Sophy 
 has come — go to her." 
 
 Dulcie acted with dignity. 
 
 " I know her news, Dora. No need to agitate dear 
 father by suddenly leaving him." 
 
 " Do go, Dulcie." 
 
 " I can spare you both," said the General. " I — 
 I " 
 
 " Oh, dear papa, are you sure ? How is your throat 
 now ? " 
 
 " Oh, quite well— quite well," said the General, 
 seizing at a straw. 
 
 " Oh, there, I said so. How wise I was— a pepper- 
 mint always cures you — that is, if it's taken in time." 
 
244 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 The two sisters were soon downstairs, and met 
 Sophy Voss at the drawing-room door. 
 
 " Dear papa is really making progress," said Dulcie 
 eagerly. 
 
 " I did not know that he was ill," said Miss Voss 
 coldly. " Perhaps I am in the way." 
 
 " No, no, indeed not," exclaimed Dora. " Dulcie's 
 prompt action stopped an attack of bronchitis, and 
 you know how serious it is when dear papa has 
 one." 
 
 " We are happier about him at this moment, though 
 just now he nearly choked." 
 
 " Indeed ! " said Miss Voss sitting down. 
 
 " Not with the tickling, but with the large pepper- 
 mint drop which Dulcie administered," said Dora, 
 who wished to be truthful. 
 
 " Oh, no, Dora. If his throat had not been in a 
 very ticklish condition, of course he would not have 
 choked ; but don't let us think of it any more, the 
 danger is passed. Dear Sophy, you have news for 
 us?" 
 
 " Oh, nothing of importance," said Miss Voss, de- 
 liberately telling a white lie, for to her it was all-im- 
 portant, " but as I had told you before about — well, 
 about the Countess, I thought that I ought to let you 
 know that she goes away this afternoon." 
 
 " I knew it," said Dulcie calmly. 
 
 " You knew it ? " Miss Voss was really surprised. 
 
PEPPERMINT LOZENGES ^45 
 
 " Dear Sophy, did I not tell you that I was sure I 
 should succeed ? Yes, certain of it. My interview 
 proved entirely successful, and that Jezebel saw then 
 that vice has no real power over simple virtue." 
 
 " Ah ! do you really think that she saw it ? " said 
 Miss Voss sceptically. 
 
 " Have you not got the proof?" answered Dulcie, 
 looking superior. 
 
 " Dear Dulcie always succeeds," added Dora. 
 
 " Oh, no, dear Dora, don't say I succeed, say that 
 virtue is ever triumphant." 
 
 " Umph ! " said Sophy. " Anyhow, the Countess is 
 going, and my dear brother is not engaged to her." 
 
 " He could not be," said Dulcie looking down. " He 
 may be led astray for a moment, but he will always 
 return to his duty." 
 
 " I don't know about his duty ; but, anyhow, he 
 will return to his senses." 
 
 " And those Leworthys are gone, too, and now 
 we are again as we were — a small but a happy 
 family." 
 
 " And he won't now use salt instead of sugar," 
 added Dora ; " I know that was a bad sign," 
 
 Sophy rose. She had thought it her painful duty 
 to come and tell the Jeffs, as she had previously taken 
 them into her confidence. 
 
 As she was walking out of the front door, Dulcie 
 slipped h'er hand into her arm. 
 
246 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 " Dear Sophy, I do, indeed, rejoice with you. When 
 you see him, will you be so good as to tell him about 
 dear papa's little attack? We shan't like to leave 
 him to-day ; but perhaps he will insist on going to 
 the pier after luncheon. If your dear brother could 
 just look at him there, without mentioning our fears, 
 it would be most kind of him." 
 
 " I can't answer for my brother's movements, but I 
 will tell him," said Sophy moving away. 
 
 As she walked away, Sophy Voss heaved a sigh. 
 She had done her utmost to save her brother from 
 being caught in the snares of the Countess, but it now 
 came over her that by so doing she might be condemn- 
 ing him to a life with Dulcie Jeff, a life of narrowness 
 and pettiness which would be even more wearying to 
 her than even Dagmar's supposed wickedness. At 
 the bottom of her heart she knew that she did not 
 exert herself to save him from Dagmar, but in reality 
 to prevent him from leaving her, or from loving any 
 one but herself. In spite of all her goodness and 
 attention to him, she could not help recognising that 
 she was bringing about what she most dreaded. Her 
 idolised brother cared less for her society and was less 
 contented than when she had been a less watchful 
 guardian. A selfish affection works more woe than 
 indifference, and this truth is seldom recognised by 
 those who most need the advice. 
 
 As she neared home she met the Squire. 
 
PEPPERMINT LOZENGES 247 
 
 "Do you know, Miss Voss, that all the crew are 
 going ? I was never so glad in my life." 
 
 "We shall have the place to ourselves again." 
 
 "They found no warm reception here! I'm not 
 going to have Seawater turned into a bear-garden." 
 
 When Sophy cross,ed her own threshold and glanced 
 into Dick's study window, as she always did, to see if 
 her beloved brother were there at his work, that one 
 glance showed her a new sight. Dick was in, but he 
 was doing nothing. Never before had she seen him 
 sitting idle. 
 
 She knocked softly at his door. 
 
 " What do you want ? " he said impatiently. 
 
 Sophy's heart sank. 
 
 "Oh, Dick, I— I " She paused. Actually 
 
 she did not know what to say ; then throwing off the 
 reserve which often creeps over those living under the 
 same roof, she exclaimed : " Dick, I'm so glad — so 
 very glad — they have all gone, and it will be as in 
 old days ". 
 
 She put her arm round his neck and kissed him 
 softly, but he almost rudely disengaged himself, and 
 jumped up, saying fiercely : — 
 
 " I don't know what you are glad about, Sophy. 
 If you mean that the departure of the Countess will 
 add to my happiness you are quite mistaken. She 
 has gone away, but — half the sunshine has gone with 
 her." 
 
248 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 A few tears gathered in his sister's eyes. She had 
 so few affections ; indeed, she loved no one but Dick, 
 and Dick was saying this to her! No punishment 
 could have been greater. 
 
 " Dick, she is not worthy of your — respect." 
 
 " What nonsense you talk ! You know nothing of 
 her at all. How can you be so narrow-minded and 
 so prejudiced? She is a woman in a thousand." 
 
 " Men are always blind to the faults of pretty 
 women." 
 
 " Pshaw ! She is the most natural woman I have 
 ever met. She never pretended to anything. She 
 is worshipped, and yet she never holds out false 
 hopes." 
 
 " Then she does not care about you ? " 
 
 If this were true Sophy would be gracious, and 
 would sympathise with her brother. He looked up 
 strangely at her. 
 
 " I don't know, but I would marry her without that 
 if — if she would." 
 
 " Oh, Dick, don't say such a dreadful thing ! Forget 
 her." 
 
 " Forget her 1 " he laughed ironically. "As soon 
 forget the sunshine, and all the flowers and beautiful 
 things in nature. Never mention her name again, 
 Sophy. She has gone, and I may never see her again, 
 but that will make no difference to my feelings. It is 
 fair to tell you this at once." 
 
PEPPERMINT LOZENGES 249 
 
 Sophy's heart was heavy, and jealousy is an evil 
 companion. 
 
 " I don't wish to mention her again, Dick, but I 
 shall pray that you may forget her." 
 
 She closed the door softly, and did not hear her 
 brother's murmur : — 
 
 " Then hang your prayers ! " 
 
CHAPTER XXVI 
 
 NOT IN VAIN 
 
 It was a hot, stifling summer, and the London 
 streets were radiating back the heat. To Byrd the 
 beautiful glen appeared already like a vision of 
 heaven, which had been granted to her for a short 
 period and then taken away. But she rejected the 
 word " conquered ". She would not let destiny over- 
 master her power of endurance. She had had her 
 choice, and she was not going to repine because she 
 had done what she thought right. All the while, 
 however, as she thus silently argued, the feeling of 
 doubt would creep in, trying to pull down all her 
 proud defences. 
 
 Grant's case was better than her own. Ambition, 
 once awakened, can work wonders. He had sent a 
 manuscript to a publisher and had received a favour- 
 able answer. If success had lingered too long. Grant 
 would have succumbed, for his nature required suc- 
 cess. Genius is often most unstable and very easily 
 discouraged. There is a feeling in the world that true 
 
 genius must outlive all misfortunes and triumph over 
 
 (250) 
 
Not IN VAIN 251 
 
 every obstacle. This is quite untrue, for genius is 
 often composed of most delicate machinery ; a breath 
 of cold wind will put it out of working order. It 
 needs support, sunshine, in fact, all the material help 
 it can possibly receive, and for want of it it often 
 withers away, and thus the world knows nothing of 
 its greatest men, or rather of the men who might 
 have been its greatest ornaments. 
 
 Byrd had never imagined that success would 
 visit their household. She did not realise that 
 Dagmar had judged correctly, and had taken the 
 means to bring about a certain end. That was part 
 of Dagmar's own genius. She had given Grant all 
 that she could give him ; not love, for she had 
 none, but she had planted in his nature the se6d of 
 a new ambition, and she knew that the seed would 
 mature. 
 
 One day when Grant came home his face looked 
 transfigured, just as it had done when Dagmar had 
 let him take her in to dinner. 
 
 " Byrd, look ! She believed in me. You never 
 did." 
 
 He said it quite fiercely, but his expression was 
 triumphant as he held out a substantial cheque. 
 Byrd was making herself a summer dress. They 
 had so little money that she was now needlewoman 
 as well as nearly everything else. She jumped up 
 and kissed Grant. 
 
252 SfiNT TO COVENTRY 
 
 " I am glad. Yes, she did it all. Dear Dagmar ! " 
 Byrd's sympathy was never withheld, even when she 
 doubted the use of it. 
 
 " You needn't fret about money any more, Byrd. 
 If I can work, we are saved." 
 
 "If?" 
 
 " Yes, I have thought it over and I mean to work. 
 I want her to be proud of me — to be proud of her 
 own discovery." 
 
 " I wonder where she is now," said Byrd, for 
 Grant's thoughts were so much concentrated on him- 
 self that he never gave his sister's affairs much con- 
 sideration. He knew that she had given up Mr. 
 Tresiddar, but that meant of. course that she did not 
 care much about him. 
 
 Grant shook his hair back. 
 
 " She will hear of me without my having to seek 
 her out soon, I hope. This article on modern plays 
 is nothing, but when my play is taken " 
 
 Byrd smiled. 
 
 " Play writers are doomed to disappointment ; I 
 advise you to keep to ordinary literature." 
 
 " She said, ' write plays,' and of course I believe in 
 her judgment." 
 
 " I wish some one would tell me my vocation," 
 said Byrd wearily. She had found that making a 
 plain dress was most uninteresting work. 
 
 " Oh, women should have no vocations. Leave me 
 
NOT IN VAIN 253 
 
 the care of the household, and all will be right. I 
 much prefer to see you at needlework." 
 
 " Yes, that is woman's sphere," answered Byrd, 
 smiling to hide the great ache of her heart. She 
 wanted Kilian with a longing that never was silenced 
 — a longing against which she had to fight hour by 
 hour. 
 
 When Grant left her to go and tell his mother the 
 good news, Byrd threw down her work and fought 
 the battle out again. 
 
 " I must — I must forget him. This love comes 
 between me and everything I do ; I leave off working 
 and think of him. Oh, I must forget it." 
 
 But when she sat down again she knew that the 
 task was at present too hard for her. She could 
 not forget him, nor that first unselfish love born in 
 that beautiful combe, and nursed in surpassing love- 
 liness. 
 
 " I can't, I can't, and I shall have to suffer." It 
 was all so unromantic, this fight going on in very 
 ordinary London lodgings, so unperceived by any 
 one, so unpitied. " Does Heaven see it and pity it?" 
 she sometimes asked herself. 
 
 She missed her father's silent, uncomplaining 
 strength. Her mother having nothing to do which 
 must be done, indulged in a double amount of com- 
 plaining, but Byrd did not mind that. She found it 
 easier than formerly to be patient with her, because 
 
254 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 her mind was occupied with those other thoughts, 
 which overpowered all lesser vexations. 
 
 Now Grant would want her> less, so that even this 
 duty seemed taken away from her. He was already 
 making a few literary friends, and one or two editors 
 had written to him, having in some mysterious manner 
 found him out. Byrd guessed that it was Dagmar's 
 doing, but Grant, strangely enough, did not imagine 
 that the Countess remembered him now. He meant 
 to surprise her — to make her so proud of him ; then 
 
 perhaps Who would, at this momerit, have had 
 
 the courage to shatter this golden goblet of hope 
 which he held up to gaze at? 
 
 The Leworthys had so lately come from the country 
 that there was no going back there for them. It was 
 stifling in London, but no cool country breath could 
 be looked forward to. To add to her other longings, 
 Byrd began to weary for country sights and sounds. 
 This feeling became a sort of passion, adding con- 
 siderably to her cup of misery. 
 
 She had known Kilian in the country — she wanted 
 to go back to where she had loved him, and where he 
 had loved her. But it was miles and miles away. No 
 one was likely to ask her there, for no one had been 
 kind to her but Dr. Voss, and he would not do so. 
 But the longing to go to Seawater was almost more 
 than she could bear. She fancied that if she could 
 once more revisit the haunts where she and Kilian 
 
NOT IN VAIN 255 
 
 had been together the aching feeling would be les- 
 sened. The idea was not very logical, but then Byrd 
 had long ago given up the idea that she was strong 
 and sensible. If she were, she would not be over- 
 come by that haunting wish for the one human being 
 she might not have. No, she knew now that she was 
 weak — very weak. But she could not yet give up 
 struggling — she would pray every day to forget him, 
 and surely in time her prayer would be granted ! 
 
 August was passing slowly away, and September 
 stepped forth in golden sandals. Byrd thought that 
 every one who had money would now be by the sea- 
 side, or in Switzerland, or among waving corn-fields. 
 Mrs. Leworthy rather liked London. A few old 
 friends came to see her occasionally, and now the 
 fruit of Grant's work really took away from them the 
 idea of grinding poverty. Fame was not to be made 
 in a day, but ceirtainly Grant was becoming known. 
 Byrd was the one who first threw out the proposition 
 about paying a short visit to the country. She knew 
 that* Grant must live in London. It was the only 
 place where a name could be made quickly ; but she 
 felt that she must breathe some sweet country air 
 before they settled down for a dreary winter. 
 
 " Where can we go ? " said Mrs. Leworthy. " I am 
 sure I shan't care to go by the seaside ; the crowd is 
 everywhere terrible they say." 
 
 " We might go to a quiet cottage in an unfashion- 
 
256 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 able place, where it would be cheap, and where no 
 one would know us," said Byrd. 
 
 " What do you say, Grant ? " 
 
 " I don't care for any country place except one," he 
 said sullenly. 
 
 " Oh, you mean Seawater. I am sure that was 
 dull enough." 
 
 "Mr. Chegwidden would take us in," said Byrd, 
 her heart leaping for joy. 
 
 " If the Squire allowed him." 
 
 " Mother, let me write and ask him. You would 
 not be dull in the village, and — Grant and I should 
 both like it." 
 
 " One place is the same as another to me," said 
 Mrs. Leworthy. 
 
 Byrd sat down and wrote to Mr. Chegwidden, and 
 then, feeling restless, she remarked : — 
 
 " I told Mrs. Payne I would make some new blinds, 
 mother. I'll go by the Underground to Charing 
 Cross." 
 
 "The Underground is a very horrid invention ; but 
 girls are so bold now. They are never afraid of any- 
 thing." 
 
 "Afraid!" Byrd laughed. She could laugh now, 
 because there was a bare possibility of going to Sea- 
 water, and of walking over the same paths where she 
 had been with Kilian. She posted her letter, and 
 then went off on her expedition, feeling almogt b^ppy- 
 
Not IlSf VAIN 257 
 
 The dust and heat were hardly noticed. When she 
 got out at Charing Cross she walked up towards the 
 Strand, A cab near to her paused because of a block 
 of carriages. Without being conscious of doing so, 
 she glanced within. Then the colour rushed to her 
 face. 
 
 "Dagmar!" she exclaimed; but the cab passed 
 on. It was Dagmar, seated by the side of the Baron. 
 Byrd turned. They were, of course, going to the 
 station. She must follow them. What did this 
 mean ? She tried to keep the cab in sight ; and she 
 noticed that there was only one small box on the top. 
 Before she reached the turn into Charing Cross Sta- 
 tion, however, she could not distinguish which vehicle 
 it was which she had tried to follow, having for some 
 minutes lost sight of it. 
 
 She hurried on, looking up and down the pavement. 
 The two must have got out very quickly. Byrd then 
 hurried into the station, impelled by some strange 
 presentiment of evil. 
 
 "Is there a train to Paris now?" she asked an 
 official. 
 
 " No, Miss, not until this evening." 
 
 Then they were not going abroad ! But a new 
 idea struck her. 
 
 " Is there a train to Dover going soon ? " 
 
 " Yes, Miss, in ten minutes. That platform. No 
 
 time to lose if you want to go. Got any luggage ? " 
 
 17 
 
258 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 " Oh, no, only I want to meet a friend. Will they 
 let me pass ? " 
 
 She hurried on to the platform and looked down. 
 Yes, there were Dagmar and the Baron walking 
 leisurely towards a first-class carriage. She just saw 
 them enter in. 
 
 She obtained leave to pass through the barrier, but 
 in her haste she could not find the carriage, and came 
 back. Suddenly the Baron put his head out of a 
 window and called for a paper. Byrd immediately 
 pushed her way past him into the carriage before 
 he could stop her or even before he could recognise 
 her. 
 
 " Dagmar, where are you going ? Oh, I want to 
 see you ; don't go. I must talk to you." 
 
 She hardly knew what she said as she seized Dag- 
 mar's hands. Instead of the usual brilliant, self- 
 possessed Dagmar, Byrd saw that the face of the 
 Countess was very pale, though she tried to smile. 
 
 " Silly child ! Where do you come from ? Why 
 didn't you write ? It is too late now ; I'm leaving 
 England. You want to hear about Kilian?" 
 
 " No, no, about you. Where are you going ? " 
 
 " Ask the Baron. Really and truly, I have no 
 idea." 
 
 The Baron's usually handsome, pleasant face looked 
 anything but agreeable at this moment. 
 
 " Indeed, Miss Leworthy, they will be soon shutting 
 
NOT IN VAIN 259 
 
 the doors. You must get out unless you are going 
 first-class to Dover. I suppose that is not likely." 
 
 Byrd did not notice the insult, but Dagmar's pale 
 face flushed red. The Baron wished from the bottom 
 of his heart that he had held his tongue. It was the 
 rarest thing for him to make a false step, but he had 
 been surprised into it by the very unexpected appear- 
 ance of " that little country girl ". 
 
 " My friend, Miss Leworthy, would, of course, travel 
 with me if she were going to Dover," said Dagmar 
 indignantly; "but she is right. We have much to 
 talk about. I shall not go by this train." 
 
 " What nonsense, Countess," said the Baron, losing 
 his temper. " The tickets are taken, and I have re- 
 tained this carriage." 
 
 Dagmar rose. Byrd was trembling. She could 
 not understand anything, and yet instinctively she 
 felt that she was the unconscious instrument of an 
 important decision. 
 
 " Yes, Dagmar, I want so much to hear everything. 
 Do stay, do stay ! " 
 
 She stood up and gave her hand to Dagmar. The 
 Baron had very little time now to spare for politeness ; 
 he forcibly came between them, and pushed Byrd 
 away. 
 
 At this moment the ticket-collector came round. 
 
 " Are you going on, Miss ? " 
 
 " No, no, I " 
 
260 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 " Then get out, please." 
 
 " I am not going either," said Dagmar in a de- 
 termined voice. " Tell this gentleman to let me get 
 down." 
 
 " The lady is making a big mistake. Here is her 
 ticket; it is all right, all right," stuttered the Baron. 
 
 The ticket-collector was not going to listen to a 
 foreigner, however handsome he might be, against 
 the wishes of a beautiful English lady. 
 
 " Do you wish to descend, madam ? " 
 
 " Yes." 
 
 " Excuse me, sir ; make room, if you please." 
 
 There was a whistle, a scuffle, a slamming of doors, 
 and before any one quite realised what had really 
 happened, the train steamed off silently, majestically ; 
 but it left Dagmar and Byrd on the Charing Cross 
 platform hand in hand, and it took the Baron away 
 to Dover. Dagmar pressed her lips firmly together. 
 She gave a little sigh ; then her self-possession returned. 
 
 " Byrd, Byrd, it is very strange ! Do you know 
 what you have done?" 
 
 " No, no ; but come away ; let's go somewhere. He 
 may come back." 
 
 " A little quiet corner at Gatti's ? I have just been 
 there, so I shall better realise the fact of my still being 
 in London." 
 
 Dagmar laughed. 
 
 " Your luggage is gone." 
 
NOT IN VAIN 261 
 
 " Oh, I had very little. Do you know that — that I 
 was running away with the Baron ? " 
 
 " Oh, no, Dagmar ; not that ! " 
 
 " Silly child ! I am my own mistress ; but there, 
 isn't it odd, Byrd? I'm positively grateful to you! 
 And yet I was a free agent. Anyhow it's a respite.'' 
 
 " No, not a respite. Oh, Dagmar, did you see his 
 face when he parted us ? It was so — so — awful ! " 
 
 " Yes, I saw it ; it gave me just the strength I 
 wanted to make my walking out of the train possible. 
 He thought that he had power over me, but that look 
 broke the spell. After all, I dare say I'm silly. We 
 were going to have a lively time." 
 
 " Don't speak like that," said Byrd. " I love you 
 and — many others. I should have been very, very 
 unhappy about it." 
 
 They reached Gatti's, and chose a quiet table. No 
 one was about at this time. 
 
 Dagmar ordered ices, fanned herself, and laughed 
 several times, but her laugh was always followed by 
 a sigh of relief 
 
 " Byrd, I'm a fool ! I see it now. I felt it before ; 
 but you know me. I — I played with fire. It was 
 exciting, and I didn't really believe he would make 
 me say yes. I never did say it, but I followed him. 
 He must now be wishing to kill you." 
 
 "He looked like it. I wish Dr, Voss were here. 
 He would be glad," 
 
262 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 Dagmar did not answer this remark, but she said 
 suddenly : — 
 
 " Now, Byrd, let's talk of you. Do you know that 
 Kilian is breaking his heart? You would hardly 
 know him." 
 
 " Oh, no, no ; don't talk of me," she said earnestly. 
 " I can't bear it. You know how hard it is, or, rather, 
 you don't know." 
 
 " You are a saint, child. I did not believe in them 
 before. Let me make one little confession ; I owe 
 you that. No one but you would have got me out of 
 that train ; but I believed in your perfect motives, 
 even though I don't agree with them. There, child, 
 be glad that you have done that." 
 
 " Then it hasn't been all in vain," said Byrd slowly. 
 
 For the first time the past terrible pain was glori- 
 fied. She was human, and it is only useless suffering 
 that really crushes a human mind. 
 
 After another hour's talk about many things, in- 
 cluding Grant — for Dagmar was really glad about his 
 success — Byrd suddenly remembered her duty. 
 
 " Mother will think I am lost. What are you going 
 to do ? Come and see her ? " 
 
 Dagmar shook her head. 
 
 " Not now ; but do you know, Byrd, that the castle 
 is still mine, and still furnished ? Let me invite you 
 to go there, all three of you. You can picnic then. 
 Th? caretaker is a nice woman," 
 
NOT IN VAIN 263 
 
 " Without you ? We could not." 
 
 " I will come, yes, but not just at first. He might 
 look there. I am going to hide myself. A real 
 hiding this time, not a play-acting. 
 
 Byrd nodded her head, and before parting she had 
 promised to go to the castle if Mr. Chegwidden would 
 not have them, and Dagmar was delighted. 
 
CHAPTER XXVII 
 
 AT THE CASTLE 
 
 That chance walk had made all the difference in the 
 world to Byrd, even though it also brought her new 
 pain. When she had told her mother and Grant 
 the bare fact that she had met the Countess, she 
 hardly dared to trust herself to say all that was in 
 her mind. 
 
 Grant turned fiercely upon her. 
 
 " I suppose you asked her to come and see mother ? " 
 
 " Yes ; but she can't yet. Only she offered us the 
 castle." 
 
 His eyes brightened. 
 
 " I suppose you were too proud to accept ? " 
 
 " No ; I thought mother would like it, that is if 
 Mr. Chegwidden refuses to have us." 
 
 " She is too proud to come here." 
 
 " Proud ! Oh no, she is not proud." 
 
 " Women are easily taken in. Did she ask you 
 what I was doing ? " 
 
 " Oh, Grant, of course she did, and I told her of 
 
 your success." 
 
 (264) 
 
AT THE CASTLE 265 
 
 " A mere nothing now, but by-and-by, next year, 
 I believe that she will be proud to know me." 
 
 " Of course. Now I must finish niy plain dress." 
 Byrd actually laughed. 
 
 Grant retired to his room, determined more than 
 ever to be great, and Mrs, Leworthy moaned on as 
 Byrd worked. 
 
 But Byrd was too excited to get on fast. She was 
 rehearsing the scene in the train. Thinking over it 
 in cold blood, she began to see that Dagmar had been 
 very, very wrong. She ought to have told her so, 
 but she had been — oh, so glad to save her ! She — 
 Byrd — had done that, she who had never accom- 
 plished anything in her life. Kilian would hear of it, 
 perhaps, and would bless her for it. Oh, this was indeed 
 a gleam of unexpected sunshine. She now remem- 
 bered that Dagmar had not given her any address, 
 and had not even said where Kilian was. She was 
 almost glad, but after two days the old ache began 
 again, though at times it seemed easier to bear, be- 
 cause of what she had done for his sister. That link 
 would always join them, a link which she might 
 glory in. 
 
 A week after, Chegwidden's answer came. It was 
 a strange epistle, strangely spelt and expressed, 
 but it was a polite refusal. For his part he would 
 have been delighted, but having felt obliged to 
 mention it to the Squire, he had said decidedly that 
 
266 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 none of his houses should be turned into " lodgings 
 to let ". 
 
 "That's what I expected," said Byrd, smiling, and 
 then she wondered what she should do next. How 
 could she accept Dagmar's offer when she did not 
 know where to write or the name of the charwoman ? 
 
 " That's what I expected, Byrd," said her mother. 
 " You can't depend on rich people. They soon forget 
 one.'' 
 
 Byrd had nothing to say. 
 
 But the next day, when her spirits had fallen to the 
 
 low level, she received a card with no address : — 
 
 Mrs. Plummer is getting the rooms ready for you. Go at once. 
 I hear Mr. C. will hot receive you. I shall come some day. Stay 
 till I appear. 
 
 D. 
 
 "Mother, could anything be kinder?" exclaimed 
 Byrd. 
 
 Mrs. Leworthy made some inaudible answer. She 
 never could acknowledge that anything was cheerful ! 
 
 " Mother, let us go." 
 
 " Well, if you like to put yourself under obligations 
 to people who " 
 
 "Oh, don't talk like that. I'll accept anything 
 from anybody to get a whiff of country air." 
 
 " You always get your own way, but it's hard on 
 Grant just when he's getting on in town." 
 
 " There is not one editor in town now ; they know 
 better," said Grant, 
 
AT THE CASTLE 267 
 
 He wanted to go on the bare chance of seeing 
 Dagmar. 
 
 " Then it's no use my giving good advice," said 
 Mrs. Leworthy, and she gave in. 
 
 It really seemed too good to be true. After all 
 these hot weary weeks, the very idea of the beautiful 
 combe was like a well in a sandy desert, and the 
 castle like a little foretaste of heaven. Dagmar would 
 come, and it would be almost like old times — except 
 — ah, that exception ! But she wasn't going to cry 
 because she couldn't get the moon ; the very idea of 
 the sunshine, the flowers, the sea and the woods was 
 enough, and the realisation of it — how beautiful that 
 would be ! 
 
 The dress now seemed to make itself. Her needle 
 flew swiftly in and out, and it was Dagmar who had 
 worked this miracle. Poor Dagmar, when would she 
 find something to satisfy her ? Byrd thought of Dr. 
 Voss and of Grant. Neither of them could quite 
 be associated with the beautiful woman who lived 
 on e?icitement. Besides, that horrid Baron would not 
 give her up so easily. Did she really mean to hide 
 from him, or would she soon repent of her repentance ? 
 
 At the castle they would know where to write to 
 her. She must be patient, and there was much to do 
 to get her mother's things ready, and to look over 
 Grant's wardrobe. They let her do everything with- 
 out thanking her. Byrd had always seen after every- 
 
268 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 body ; why should they feel especially grateful now ? 
 No, certainly, it never entered their heads. 
 
 Three days later the trio drove off, and only as the 
 cab drove out of the hateful street did Byrd fully real- 
 ise what she had suffered. Some day, not far off, it 
 must all begin again, but for a little time, at least, she 
 would try to be happier. She would have the beauti- 
 ful country and the sea, and not the terrible town, 
 which had nearly crushed her very life out of her. 
 
 So she laughed and talked on almost in the old 
 way, and Grant looked happier, and even Mrs. Le- 
 worthy found less to complain of as the train hurried 
 on through the lovely west country. 
 
 They had left town for at least a month — Dagmar 
 had decided this— perhaps more, and she would not 
 see a dull London street for all that time. At last they 
 reached the little town, and entered the old convey- 
 ance which was to take them to Seawater. Dagmar's 
 carriages had disappeared as if they had been 
 Cinderella's magic coach and horses. 
 
 As they rumbled through Seawater, Byrd and 
 Grant looked eagerly out. No one knew that they 
 were coming, no one guessed that the castle was 
 going to open its doors again to receive a very 
 humble party. But no one would call on them, so 
 what did it matter ? 
 
 They paused at the foot of the castle drive ; then 
 they began lumbering up. 
 
AT THE CASTLE Q69 
 
 " I must get out," said Byrd, suiting the action to 
 the words. 
 
 In doing so she almost stumbled against a man who 
 was standing quite still, looking at the sea. 
 
 " Dr. Voss ! " 
 
 The carriage had gone on round a corner, and they 
 were alone. 
 
 He turned pale. 
 
 "Are you going to the castle ? Is — has the 
 Countess returned?" 
 
 Byrd shook her head quickly, and explained that 
 they were to stay there for change of air. 
 
 " Then you have seen her. How is she ? I have 
 not heard from her for weeks now." 
 
 He did not mind letting Byrd notice his anxiety. 
 
 Byrd blushed. She could not forget the scene at 
 the railway station. Dagmar knew that this man 
 loved her so much that he had the strength not to 
 worry her, and yet she could turn from him. Byrd 
 understood his suffering, and her eyes filled with tears. 
 
 " Yes, I have seen her. She is quite well, and she 
 says she is coming here, but — you know that she is 
 not easily caught." 
 
 She had not meant to make a foolish joke, and 
 blushed more than before. 
 
 "And have you heard of Mr. Tresiddar? " 
 
 Byrd was firm now. She resolved not to appear 
 self-conscious. 
 
270 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 "The Countess said that he was well. I did not 
 see him." 
 
 Dr. Voss looked as if he wished to add more, but 
 stopped himself, and Byrd began walking towards 
 the castle. 
 
 " You will enjoy the hot weather at the castle," 
 he said. 
 
 " Won't you come and see us ? Grant wants com- 
 panionship. He is really getting on." 
 
 " Yes, I will," he said quickly. 
 
 Then he left her. 
 
 Everything was ready for them. It seemed as if 
 Dagmar had thought of all their needs, and Byrd felt 
 more than grateful. But no one knew where the 
 owner was ; she had sent word that she wanted no 
 letters. 
 
 Alas ! Byrd soon found that the sea and the beauty 
 were not quite the same without Dagmar, and Kilian 
 and Daisy. 
 
 But, anyhow, she was grateful for the sweet country 
 air, and she could think undisturbed of Kilian. 
 
CHAPTER XXVIII 
 
 RECALLED 
 
 No news could long be kept from the coterie at Sea- 
 water. It was Dulcie Jeff who came running to 
 Sophy Voss at tea-time the next day, to tell her the 
 terrible and unexpected news that " those Leworthys " 
 were at the castle. 
 
 Sophy turned pale. It was strange that she had 
 that afternoon seen Dick walk quietly towards the 
 castle, and not return as soon as he usually did, for 
 the castle walk was the place chosen for his daily 
 exercise. 
 
 " Then Dick has gone to call on them ! Does it 
 mean that that terrible Countess is there too? " 
 
 " Oh no, dear Sophy. She has only lent it to 
 them. You know they applied to Mr. Chegwidden, 
 but I persuaded the Squire to refuse leave. I found 
 it out quite by chance, and I thought it my duty to 
 prevent any of that party returning to our peaceful 
 vale." 
 
 " You had better have left the business alone," said 
 
 Sophy sternly. 
 
 (271) 
 
272 SENT to COVENTRY 
 
 "Your dear brother is so kind that he thought it 
 his duty to call upon them. But do not be afraid, 
 Sophy. I know that his heart is in the right place. 
 Yesterday he said, ' How is your father this morning ? ' 
 He didn't say ' Miss Jeff/ but I know he did not quite 
 like to — to call me Dulcie." 
 
 Sophy had hardly enough patience to listen to 
 her. 
 
 "Dick never thinks of any conventionalities. I 
 wish he did. Ah, there he is ! " 
 
 Dulcie looked out of the window, and perceived the 
 Doctor's tall, athletic figure and long stride some way 
 off. 
 
 " I had better go, then. I don't want you to 
 feel " 
 
 " I don't feel anything," said Sophy sharply. And 
 Dulcie tripped off to meet Dr. Voss. 
 
 Dr. Voss was not certainly thinking of Dulcie, and 
 he was so much wrapped up in his own thoughts that 
 he did not notice her until she stopped him. 
 
 " Oh, dear Dr. Voss, is it true ? " 
 
 " What is true or not true ? " He felt as if he would 
 willingly have gone on without answering Dulcie, but 
 he was a gentleman, and refrained from visible 
 rudeness. 
 
 " That those Leworthys are at the castle ? " 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 " And you have seen them ? " 
 
RECALLED 273 
 
 " I have called upon them." 
 
 " Ah, yes, of course. Dora and I never receive the 
 visits of a gentleman whose lady folk do not call 
 upon us." 
 
 " I am sure you have found it a good rule." 
 
 "Our instincts are against anything vulgar. Be- 
 sides, there is no gentleman living away from here 
 who would at all interest me." 
 
 " Indeed?" Dick was wondering how to escape. 
 
 "When one's heart is engaged, then all else seems 
 distasteful." 
 
 Dick, hearing the word " heart," started. He must 
 pass somehow, but she was barring the way. 
 
 " Ah, indeed ! I am afraid I must leave you 
 now." 
 
 " No, no, dear Dr. Voss, don't say that. You know 
 — I have long wished to tell you that your presence 
 is — my sunshine. I know I have seemed cold and 
 not grateful for your kindness, and evident feelings, 
 but it was that I dared not trust myself to — to tell 
 you." 
 
 Dick's face turned scarlet. . 
 
 " Good Heavens ! Miss Jeff, I have never doubted 
 
 your kindly feelings. Don't mention them again, 
 
 pray. I never thought you cold ; I know that the 
 
 coldness was on my side — in fact, I can echo your 
 
 sentiments. When the heart is engaged — etc. 
 
 Mine is, I fear, quite engaged in my scientific 
 
 18 
 
274 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 researches. Spectrum analysis, you know, and others ; 
 in fact Good morning." 
 
 She had moved an inch, and the doctor ran past 
 her. 
 
 Sophy met him at the door. His face was stern 
 and set. 
 
 " So you have been to the castle again, Dick ? Is 
 that woman there ? " 
 
 Dr. Voss began to pity himself very much, but he 
 had great mastery over his words. 
 
 " If you mean the Countess, she is not there — I am 
 sorry to say." 
 
 " I thought that you had forgotten her." 
 
 Dick laughed. 
 
 " She has forgotten me ; put it like that." 
 
 " I am very glad of it, I am sure." 
 
 "You need hardly tell me that." 
 
 He opened his study door, and deliberately shut 
 it in Sophy's face. Tears started to his sister's 
 eyes. 
 
 " That is all you get," she murmured, " for a life's 
 devotion ! " 
 
 Possibly she and Dick interpreted "a life's de- 
 votion " in different ways. 
 
 But the Doctor was disturbed. He took down his 
 microscope and began some work. Every now and 
 then, however, his mind wandered. He had hoped 
 that he could forget Dagmar, as she had evidently for- 
 
RECALLED 275 
 
 gotten him ; but the very sight of the Leworthys 
 brought back all his heartache. He knew that he 
 should have to fight his battle over again, and the 
 idea was depressing. Hard work was his only 
 remedy. 
 
 " I must work hard," he said. " I took the disease 
 too late. I have it in its worst form." 
 
 But presently he threw away a withered specimen 
 and stood up. 
 
 " This science is all very well when one's mind is 
 free ; but, good Heavens ! it doesn't fill a great 
 vacuum." The word recalled poor Dulcie's foolish- 
 ness. 
 
 "That woman is insupportable. I know I can't 
 stand the place much longer. If it wasn't for Sophy 
 I would go ; but even Sophy is getting more than I 
 can stand ! " 
 
 He looked over the lawn. The view of the sea be- 
 yond seemed to create in him a desire to fly far away 
 out of Seawater, out of England. He could not have 
 her — the one woman whom he loved — then he would 
 have no one else. He would become an explorer, a 
 waniderer, and in foreign countries he would, perhaps, 
 forget her. 
 
 As he gazed out of the window, perceiving nothing 
 but this imaginary prospect, he was startled by seeing 
 Byrd running along the road. Suddenly she stopped 
 at his garden gate. Byrd had never been in the 
 
276 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 garden. She must want him, and it must be some- 
 thing important. Grant or her mother were ill. He 
 hurried out, and opened the door to her before she 
 had time to ring, 
 
 "Come in," he said, and he quickly opened his 
 study door, fearing Sophy's arrival. 
 
 Byrd's face was white as a sheet. She held a 
 telegram in her hand. 
 
 " Sit down. What is the matter ? But don't speak 
 for a moment ; you don't feel well." 
 
 Byrd made a great effort. 
 
 " There is a train in an hour. Can you come with 
 me at once ? " 
 
 " A train ! Where ? Your mother and brother are 
 here. Give me the telegram." 
 
 Byrd kept tight hold of the yellow envelope. 
 
 "Can't you guess? It is terrible. She must just 
 have been able to give my address." 
 
 " She ? Who ? Tell me ! " he said sternly, his 
 mind now leaping to the right conclusion. 
 
 " There has beien a terrible explosion in the Under- 
 ground. A train has been partly wrecked. She was 
 in it." 
 
 " Not Dagmar ! For Heaven's sake, say it is not 
 Dagmar ! " 
 
 Byrd got up and approached him. 
 
 " Yes ; Dagmar. Read it now. Come with me." 
 
 The telegram was from Kilian : — 
 
RECALLED 277 
 
 Come at once. Explosion in Underground. Dagmar aeriously 
 liurt. She wants you, I was not tliere. " London Hotel." Tell 
 
 VOBS. 
 
 K. T. 
 
 For a moment there was silence in the room. Both 
 were thinking of the same thing. Then Dr. Voss, 
 accustomed to face pain, spoke first. 
 
 " Can you be ready in half an hour ? I will come 
 and fetch you. I have a good deal to pack up. We 
 must think of everything she may want. At an hotel 
 she cannot be very comfortable. They will have pro- 
 cured a doctor and nurse, but it all depends on some 
 one being always on the spot," 
 
 " You will come ? I was afraid you could not." 
 
 " Could not I Now, please, make haste." 
 
 Byrd hurried away. She was watched out of the 
 house by Sophy, who now hurried into the study. 
 
 " I should think Miss Leworthy might have sent a 
 messenger if she wanted you, considering that I have 
 never called on her mother." 
 
 " Listen, Sophy, I have only time to say these few 
 words. Miss Leworthy came to fetch me to go to 
 town with her. I am going with her, as the Countess 
 has met with an accident. I don't know how long I 
 shall be away. I will write ; but now, not one word 
 more, please." 
 
 Sophy Voss looked up, and saw a stern, hard look 
 on her brother's face. It was not safe to disobey him. 
 She might have turned round and helped him, and 
 
278 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 given him sympathy, but she could not. She paused 
 one moment, struggling and deliberating with herself, 
 but then anger got the better of her, and she turned 
 away, obeying him literally. She put on her hat and 
 walked out of the house, though her heart was break- 
 ing. She hated herself for her conduct, but she hated 
 Dagmar more. 
 
CHAPTER XXIX 
 
 CHANGED 
 
 Ten days had gone by, and only at the end of the 
 week could the Countess be moved to the furnished 
 house in Eaton Square which she had hired shortly 
 before her accident. 
 
 Dr. Voss had arranged every detail of the move, 
 and he and the nurses carried it out. 
 
 Byrd was sitting in the drawing-room in front of 
 the tea-things with her hands clasped, and so deeply 
 immersed in a brown study that she did not hear the 
 door open. A moment after, Kilian sank down on a 
 chair opposite to her. He looked very weary and 
 much changed. 
 
 Byrd had never seen him alone before, for Daisy 
 was always with her at tea-time. For a day or two 
 the doctor had thought that Dagmar would sink 
 under the shock which her nervous system had re- 
 ceived. In the darkened room even Byrd had not 
 seen how much the beautiful face was disfigured, 
 but she knew enough to make her dread to know 
 
 the truth. After the first few days, however, there 
 
 (279) 
 
280 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 had been a change for the better. Dagmar was 
 very strong and she was young, and she expressed 
 her desire to go to Eaton Square, adding in a 
 whisper : — 
 
 " Let Byrd come and manage everything. I can 
 trust her." 
 
 Byrd was ready for any sacrifice, but there was 
 not really any hard work for her, except to look 
 after Daisy, the servants and the nurses. Dr. Voss 
 left little to them but the actual nursing; he trusted 
 no one but himself Byrd's greatest pain and self- 
 sacrifice was having to live in the same house with 
 Kilian though Daisy was a great comfort to her. 
 
 To-day Daisy had gone for a walk with a maid, 
 and had not come in. Byrd put away all her per- 
 sonal feelings. She was here for Dagmar's sake, and 
 she would not let her own pain get the mastery over 
 her. Kilian understood and respected her wishes. 
 Their short conversations had never deviated from the 
 merest commonplace. To-day, being alone, it 
 seemed hopeless to do more than remark on the 
 weather. But in spite of her self-restraint, it was 
 almost happiness to Kilian to see Byrd sitting in the 
 same room with himself. To him she was the very 
 personification of perfect womanhood. On her side 
 she did not know if it were pain or pleasure, for, in 
 fact, she tried hard not to tl;iink. 
 
 " Daisy is late. She wanted to spend a shilling you 
 
CHANGED 281 
 
 gave her, and I know that is a very important affair 
 at her age." 
 
 " I don't know what I could have done with her if 
 you had not been here. I could not leave Dagmar. 
 Voss says that in a day or two he will know the full 
 extent of her injuries." 
 
 " Oh ! " sighed Byrd. " I can't bear to think of it. 
 She was so beautiful." 
 
 " I fear that she will be — she must be much dis- 
 figured. Poor Dagmar ! She loved beauty — even her 
 own." 
 
 " She will feel it terribly. If only I could have 
 taken her place ! It would not have mattered about 
 me.'' 
 
 Byrd spoke her thoughts aloud. 
 
 Kilian looked up quickly. A little shudder passed 
 through him. He felt glad that her bright, sweet face 
 was not changed. To him it was the most beautiful 
 face in the world. But he dared not answer her. 
 
 " If any one can save her beauty, Voss will. He 
 never had his clothes off for three nights, I believe 
 he is cleverer than Farmer, though he has such a great 
 reputation." 
 
 " Dr. Voss has never left off studying and making 
 experiments." 
 
 " Dagmar did not even know he was here until she 
 recognised his voice, the first time he spoke above a 
 whisper." 
 
282 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 " It was then that she took a turn for the better." 
 
 " I beUeve you are right." 
 
 " Here is Daisy ! " exclaimed Byrd, starting up and ' 
 feeling relieved of a great strain to appear natural. 
 With Daisy in the room she could be more like her- 
 self. 
 
 He saw it all and believed, man-like, that he 
 suffered the most. 
 
 A fortnight went by, and Dagmar was pronounced 
 out of danger, but what would be her permanent in- 
 juries ? That day, for the first time, Dr. Voss joined 
 the tea-table, where Byrd was as usual entertaining 
 Daisy whilst Kilian sat silently by. The doctor's face 
 was radiant. His whole professional powers had been 
 called out for the benefit of the woman he loved most 
 on earth. But as he entered the room, he suddenly 
 remembered that he was in the presence of another 
 romance, and one which had gone wrong for some un- 
 explained reason. His own happiness made him 
 wish for the happiness of others ; but he did not know 
 how to set about making Byrd see that it was her 
 duty to marry Kilian. 
 
 " You look very cheerful to-day," remarked Kilian, 
 smiling. 
 
 " Yes, I am. We have really turned a corner." 
 
 " And — will there be " Kilian paused. 
 
 Even this question did not make Dick Voss sad. 
 
 " It will be some time, of course, before the scars 
 
CHANGED 28S 
 
 disappear, but I don't despair even of a return of 
 beauty. One side of the face and neck must be 
 scarred — for a time." ' 
 
 " Poor Dagmar ! " said Kilian, playing with Daisy's 
 curls. 
 
 " But we have done wonders. I assure you, if you 
 knew " 
 
 " I hear that you could become a fashionable doctor 
 if you wished," said Kilian. 
 
 " I was wrong to retire. I believe I shall take up 
 work again," he said. " Now, Miss Leworthy, you 
 look too pale; you must go out more. Have you 
 good news from the castle?" 
 
 " Yes. Grant is hard at work, and my mother likes 
 the quiet. They get on very well without me." 
 
 "That was just what I was thinking," said Dick, 
 looking up brightly. 
 
 Byrd saw the look, and knew its meaning. She 
 blushed involuntarily, and stooped to pick up a pin. 
 Dr. Voss took pity on her, thinking that Kilian 
 Tresiddar was a fool: 
 
 " The Countess can be read to next week, so go 
 out now as much as you can ; it is fortunate the great 
 heat has departed," 
 
 " Oh, I must go back in another week. After that 
 the Countess can spare me. Mr. Tresiddar will be here." 
 
 " You must take Daisy back with you. London is 
 no place for a child just now. Don't you think so, 
 
284 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 Tresiddar ? The Countess will only be too delighted, 
 I'm sure." 
 
 Kilian cast a glance at Byrd. 
 
 " I could not give Miss Leworthy that trouble." 
 
 Byrd's heart leapt for pleasure. She could do that 
 for him. 
 
 " Nothing would give me greater happiness than to 
 have Daisy with me ; but we shall not stay very much 
 longer at Seawater." 
 
 " Oh, a fortnight would do her good. In a fort- 
 night you could bring her back, or you could fetch 
 her, Tresiddar." 
 
 Dick was thinking that he was working wonders. 
 Kilian looked beseechingly at Byrd. She must know 
 he could ask her nothing. 
 
 " Will you let me have her for a fortnight ? " she 
 said simply, having quite regained her composure. 
 " By that time Dagmar will " 
 
 "The Countess shall come to the castle herself in 
 a fortnight," said Dr. Voss cheerfully. " I give you 
 my word of honour. She will be fit to be moved by 
 then in an invalid carriage. I'll manage it all." 
 
 " But we must ask her," said Kilian gloomily. 
 
 He knew that he would be no nearer Byrd even if 
 she took Daisy, but he was glad to think that even 
 this frail link would join them. 
 
 " I'll propose it," said the Doctor, running upstairs. 
 
 Dagmar was propped up with pillows. The room 
 
Changed ass 
 
 was less dark now, and there was a dainty set of tea- 
 things placed near her. She had suffered much in 
 silence, and now she was beginning to be able to 
 speak out some of her thoughts. 
 
 " You did not stay long. I told you to have tea 
 with Byrd," she said almost playfully. 
 
 She realised fully now what Dr. Voss had done for her. 
 
 " I started a new idea, and came to ask leave." 
 
 " Oh, you have done as you like here, you know ! " 
 she said with a touch of playful sarcasm that delighted 
 him. 
 
 Her spirits were not quite crushed by the weight of 
 her misfortunes. 
 
 " And now I must be again under orders ! I have 
 suggested Miss Leworthy returning to the castle with 
 Daisy to make everything ready for you and your 
 brother, and I will take you down as soon as you can 
 move safely." 
 
 "Oh, I should like that immensely — only I can't 
 spare Byrd. She looks after everybody." 
 
 " But you must. She looks ill. The strain has 
 been great." 
 
 " You mean that, as usual, I am selfish ? " 
 
 " Do I ? I was going to say that if you will let me, 
 I will have an eye on the servants." 
 
 "You? A man!" 
 
 "Yes. A man can do everything that a woman 
 can do— only better." 
 
286 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 He was trying to talk nonsense so as to make her 
 smile, and he succeeded. 
 
 " Once you would not have said that ! Have your 
 way. I long to leave London." 
 
 " Thank you. Now, having had an inch, I 
 shall " 
 
 Dagmar looked up. One side of her face was still 
 beautiful, the other was terribly disfigured ; only the 
 eye had been spared. 
 
 " How much more do you want ? " she said with 
 another smile. 
 
 '' I want you to give me the right to — look after 
 everything for you." 
 
 " You have already taken it." 
 
 There was a little sigh. 
 
 " No, indeed, I have not. I have been merely your 
 doctor." 
 
 She held out her white, blue-veined hand. 
 
 " No one ever had such a doctor before." 
 
 " Nonsense ! I would have done the same for any 
 one." 
 
 "Would you?" 
 
 " Of course." 
 
 " I — I don't believe it. Then what else do you 
 want ? " 
 
 " When Miss Leworthy goes — and she ought, as I 
 can't nurse two persons in one house — how can I 
 order any one about except as — your husband?" 
 
CHANGED 287 
 
 He was risking his all ; but he did it, knowing he 
 might lose everything. 
 
 Dagmar laughed. 
 
 , " What an idea ! Besides, I am ill — and Oh, 
 
 Dr. Voss, I want to know one thing. Am I I 
 
 have never seen myself in the glass." 
 
 " No, I banished them all." 
 
 " Then am I — disfigured. Let me see a glass be- 
 fore I answer you." 
 
 He went into the next room and brought one. 
 
 " You know that has nothing to do with my ques- 
 tion," he growled. 
 
 She took the glass and gave one glance. A little 
 cry escaped her lips. 
 
 " Oh, no, no, no — never ! " 
 
 His heart bled for her ; but he had known that the 
 shock would be great. 
 
 "Never?" 
 
 " You shall never marry a disfigured woman. You 
 deserve — what I would not give you before." 
 
 " I want you — you, Dagmar, my darling. I want 
 to nurse you back to life. I don't care about any- 
 thing but you. Don't say no again." 
 
 " For your sake " 
 
 " For my sake, ' yes '." 
 
 She covered her face with her hands. 
 
 " If it had spared my face ! " she moaned. " Oh,, 
 Dick, Dick, no, no, for your sake, no ! " 
 
CHAPTER XXX 
 
 A RETURN 
 
 The village of Seawater — represented by the Squire, 
 the two Miss Jeffs and Miss Voss — was in despair, 
 for the castle was again inhabited by the Countess, 
 and, further, " those Leworthys '' were also there. 
 
 By this time Sophy Voss, having repented of her 
 unsympathetic conduct, meant, on his return, to re- 
 ceive her brother cheerfully and silently, and to let 
 bygones be bygones ; but when he strode up the 
 familiar garden path, looking so much more energetic 
 and more lively than usual, Sophy's cold, proud 
 nature rebelled. Dick had not missed her as she 
 had missed him. Well, then, he might do without 
 her affection. 
 
 " Sophy," said Dick cheerfully, stooping down to 
 kiss her, " I'm all right ; how are you ? " 
 
 He seemed to have entirely forgotten that they 
 had parted in anger. 
 
 " Thank you, I am quite well." 
 
 The icy tone recalled Dick to the parting, which, 
 
 to say the truth, had quite escaped his memory. 
 
 (288) 
 
A RiETURN m 
 
 He said no more, and entered his familiar study. 
 In spite of Dagmar's misery and steady refusal to 
 become his wife he did not despair. She would come 
 round in time he thought He even felt hopeful for the 
 future, and for the present she entirely leant on him 
 and depended upon him. She did not care to see much 
 of Kilian, chiefly because, if the truth could have been 
 known, she hated to be seen by those who would 
 notice and feel her disfigurement. She had never 
 been patient, and now she silently rebelled against 
 fate. 
 
 Grant Leworthy had been obliged to go back to 
 London before Dagmar's arrival. A manager had 
 been much struck by a play he had sent him, and, 
 besides, he was not sure if he could ever feel the 
 same about a disfigured Dagmar as he had done 
 about his dream of beauty. He had an artistic dis- 
 like to anything that was terrible and sad. 
 
 On her side, Dagmar had a dread of seeing any- 
 body. The iron had entered intp her soul. She had 
 never been a heroine, and the real article is not pro- 
 duced in a moment. She had persuaded Byrd to 
 stay at the castle a little while longer with her 
 mother, who could refuse Dagmar nothing now ; 
 and, indeed, Mrs. Leworthy developed a genius for 
 soothing the invalid. She liked sitting silently in the 
 room when Dagmar insisted on Byrd's taking a walk, 
 
 and as soon as the invalid was allowed to lie on a 
 
 19 
 
290 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 couch, Mrs. Leworthy was invaluable. Daisy made 
 the one cheerful element around the sad party. She 
 was quite happy again now that she was by the sea, 
 and that her dear Byrd and her father were with her. 
 Byrd's happiest time was when she was wandering 
 with the child about the woods, where she was quite 
 sure not to meet Kilian. At the castle they only met 
 at meal times, and then the presence of others made 
 it easier for them to appear natural ; but in Kilian's 
 presence every instant was a moment of terrible strain 
 upon Byrd, and the strain was visibly telling upon 
 her. She sometimes felt that she must run away, 
 that even her love for Dagmar was costing her too 
 much. Kilian was always kind, and never intruded 
 upon her ; but the feeling that he was there, and that 
 he was suffering from her presence, and she from his, 
 was almost more than she could bear. 
 
 " Mother," she exclaimed one day, " we must go 
 away next Tuesday. Grant will be wanting us to 
 look after him." 
 
 " You were so anxious to come, and now that I am 
 of real use to the Countess you insist upon going 
 away. It is just like you, Byrd ! " 
 
 " We must go," repeated Byrd firmly. 
 
 She would not be softened. In three days the 
 strain would end. She had expected some degree of 
 happiness, but had not found it. 
 
 " And there's that poor child, too ! What will she 
 
A RETURN 291 
 
 do without you ? We might offer to keep her with 
 us ; but London is a bad place for children." 
 
 Byrd longed to say yes ; but again she felt that if 
 Daisy were with her the struggle would be harder. 
 She dared not think of it even. 
 
 Anyhow, in three days she would be released from 
 this daily pain. It was almost physical pain that 
 struggled against her love for Kilian. Unfortunately, 
 Mrs. Leworthy announced her daughter's decision at 
 breakfast-time. Kilian looked up quickly ; he cast 
 one glance at Byrd, and remained silent. Dr. Voss, 
 who usually looked in at this time, answered Mrs. 
 Leworthy's remark. 
 
 " I can't think what we shall do without you." 
 
 " The Countess is very much better, and we have 
 been here a very long time," said Byrd. 
 
 " Oh, don't go, dear Miss Byrd," said Daisy, " I'm 
 so dull when I'm alone." 
 
 " I'll take you up the combe this morning, Daisy 
 if you're quick over your lessons," said Byrd in a 
 matter-of-fact voice. 
 
 "Bribery!" exclaimed Dr. Voss. 
 
 Kilian smiled, but remained silent. Byrd wished 
 that she had not said even that, but Daisy was not to 
 be put off. She behaved like an angel over her 
 lessons, and Byrd had to keep her promise. Even 
 now autumn was touching the tips of the trees with 
 her red fingers, and leaving the impress upon the 
 
292 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 tender leaves. The season would come and go, Byrd 
 thought, and her life would also pass on in monotonous 
 dulness. Why had she resisted so long? There was 
 nothing for her but flight. She must go and hide her 
 pain again. The experiment had resulted in failure, 
 and she might not be able to keep her resolution if 
 she stayed in the spot of temptation. 
 
 Happily, Daisy did not want much entertainment, 
 and ran on in advance of the somewhat silent Byrd. 
 
 Presently she felt that she was not alone, and that 
 Kilian was following her. She had dreaded this. 
 She sat down on a dry bank, and wondered if she 
 should fly. If she plunged into the wood, where the 
 tiny paths led all ways, and where one had to stoop to 
 force a way, she might escape him. No, that was not 
 possible ! Kilian was so good. She was not afraid of 
 him, only of his influence upon herself. She watched 
 his approach without moving. 
 
 " Byrd ! " He called her softly. " I am going 
 away for three days," he said gently, sitting down be- 
 side her. " We are both suffering." 
 
 " Yes," she said. 
 
 " And it is useless suffering. Byrd, Byrd, you 
 cannot hold out for ever. I know all your argu- 
 ments ; but if we must accept the fact that imperfec- 
 tion is everywhere, then accept the imperfect. We 
 have proved it. We cannot live without each other. 
 I know all that you are going through, and it doubles 
 
A RETURN 293 
 
 my pain. Give up this idea. You will ruin my life ; 
 you will make me " 
 
 " Don't say any more," said Byrd. A little while 
 before she had felt so weak, but now she tried to be 
 firm and courageous. 
 
 There was a moment's silence. Byrd thought of 
 getting up and going away, but she still sat motion- 
 less. 
 
 "You won't change your mind? My darling, I 
 love you more every day, if that is possible. How 
 am I to live without you? Can't you pity me? 
 Can't you give up a little of your imaginary ideas, to 
 see it as Dagmar sees ? " 
 
 " I can't, I can't," murmured Byrd. If only she 
 could see it in that light ! 
 
 " Then you mean never to relent ? " 
 
 " Don't be cruel," she whispered. 
 
 " Cruel ? — when I would give my life for you ! " 
 
 " Give me forgetfulness," she moaned. " Oh, 
 Kilian, only that ! " 
 
 " I can't. We were made for each other." 
 
 Simultaneously the thought of the other woman 
 came to them. Byrd felt that he had said that to 
 her. She did not love him less ; but the thought 
 gave her strength to speak. 
 
 " You belong to another." 
 
 " No, no ; a thousand times no. That was founded 
 pn a lie," 
 
294 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 " So would our love be if " 
 
 " What nonsense ! For the last time, Byrd, I ask 
 you, I entreat you to alter your mind. Rid yourself 
 of those quixotic notions. Let me make your life as 
 happy as it ought to be." 
 
 He came close to her, and put his arm round 
 her. She meant to get up and fly from him, but she 
 stayed. It was such rest, such a haven of peace, 
 to feel his love and his strength surrounding her. 
 The wrench would be harder presently, but — she 
 could not move. She felt paralysed. 
 
 For a few moments Kilian fancied that he had won 
 her. She was his. He almost heard the beating of 
 her heart. It was like a bird that had flown back to 
 the parent nest. He even saw before him a vista of 
 inexpressible happiness. 
 
 " My Byrd," he moaned ; but the words broke the 
 spell. She started up. 
 
 "No, no; not yours! Never, never — you belong 
 to another ! " 
 
 His face flushed with anger. The prize had looked 
 so very precious. He had believed that he had won 
 it, and for the moment all ideas that Byrd was the 
 noblest woman on earth vanished. He was angry 
 now. 
 
 " You are heartless. You trifle with a man's deep- 
 est feelings." 
 
 She was terribly hurt, She stooped to pick up her 
 
A RETURN 295 
 
 gloves, and then with a breaking heart she hurried 
 away. She must find Daisy. Daisy was just round 
 the corner, coming to look for Byrd. 
 
 " Dear child, your father is there, round the corner ; 
 go home with him. I have to go on further." 
 
 " Dad's there, oh ! " Daisy rushed away, and Byrd 
 crept through the tangled underwood. When she 
 emerged at a clearing she threw herself on the 
 ground at the foot of an old oak-tree, and mentally 
 cried out for help. 
 
CHAPTER XXXI 
 BY THE RUNNING WATER 
 
 " Byrd, Byrd, what is it ? " 
 
 It was Dagmar's voice. Dressed in some wonder- 
 ful tea-gown, she was lying on a couch in the library 
 of the castle. The sunshine was coming in on her, 
 but now it no longer revealed a beautiful face. A 
 black lace mantilla arranged round her head hid the 
 terrible scars. Byrd knelt down beside her trying to 
 hide her feelings. 
 
 " I am stupid this evening. I don't want to leave 
 you, and yet we must go back to Grant." 
 
 " Oh ! I am all right — that is, as right as I shall 
 ever be. I am getting stronger every day, but Dr. 
 Voss says it will be months, perhaps years, before I 
 really get back my nerve." 
 
 " No wonder." 
 
 " Yes, I am a fool ; I am frightened at the least 
 thing. Byrd, do you know that if — if you had not 
 stopped me that day, I should not be like this ? " 
 
 The same idea had crossed Byrd's mind. 
 
 " But — one can't tell, besides ." 
 
 (296) 
 
BY THE RUNNING WATER 297 
 
 " Foolish child, I am not blaming you. I — I want 
 to thank you. Do you know that that foolish doctor 
 wants to marry me?" 
 
 " Yes, I know. You ought to reward him." 
 
 Byrd spoke in a dreary voice. She felt a little 
 impatient with Dagmar, for her refusal seemed so 
 foolish. 
 
 " I can't. He is such a good fellow, and now I am 
 not even beautiful." 
 
 " What does he care ? " 
 
 " But I care for him. Some day he will love some 
 one worthy of him. By the way, do you know that 
 you have driven Kilian away again ? He told me 
 that he would return to fetch Daisy next week, and 
 that he was going to throw up everything and travel. 
 Poor Kilian ! Dick had better go with him." 
 
 She smiled. 
 
 " He will not leave you." 
 
 " Poor Dick ! I would rather he forgot me. I 
 can't even amuse my fellow- creatures. Tell me, 
 child, if you had my life, what you would do with 
 it?" 
 
 " The answer seems so plain and simple." 
 
 " Does it ? That is your ignorance. Suppose I 
 married Dick, and then — and then " 
 
 "You couldn't help loving him." 
 
 " Ah ! that is the question. If only I were sure !" 
 
 " He loves you," 
 
298 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 "That I don't doubt. I am grateful. I want to 
 reward him in the best way that I can." 
 
 " By becoming his wife ? " 
 
 " By refusing to do so." 
 
 " No, no, no ; think that you can do so without any 
 stab of conscience. He has never promised another 
 woman " 
 
 She stopped short. 
 
 " You are breaking your heart uselessly." 
 
 " It would be so much easier to be happy. If it 
 
 is uselessly, then he It must be right to do 
 
 what one feels to be right, even if Dagmar, 
 
 don't tempt me again. Now that he is gone it is 
 easier." 
 
 The next day Byrd went for a solitary walk. She 
 knew now that her experiment had not answered ; 
 she would never try it again. She wanted to have 
 one more look at the upland farm. When she 
 reached the stream she stood on the bridge and 
 gazed towards her old balcony. The words she had 
 once sung returned to her : — 
 
 Roses, white and red, 
 White and red, I cry, 
 Pretty maidens 
 Come and buy ; come, oh I come and buy. 
 Come and buy my roses. 
 
 Byrd's roses had withered in her hands ; they were 
 pot worth selling now, 
 
BY THE RUNNING WATER 299 
 
 The balcony was deserted. The stream flowed on 
 just as it had done on the day when Kihan had stood 
 there with her, on the day that she had been so happy 
 and so unhappy. Outwardly everything was the 
 same, but otherwise all was changed. She must live 
 her life without expecting joy ; she must not cry be- 
 cause she wanted to have what she had refused to 
 take. She must face the future nobly, not peevishly. 
 She must consecrate her life to her fellow-creatures, 
 and learn in that way to overcome her selfishness. 
 By such words she tried to rise above the terrible 
 feeling of pain which she was experiencing — pain and 
 loneliness, even a distaste of life itself But as she 
 stood on the bridge she fought out yet another battle, 
 during which she stood there, leaning against the 
 wooden railing, motionless, though a prey to the 
 fiercest struggle she had yet experienced. 
 
 " I must win it, I must. If I give way now, I shall 
 never have the strength to struggle any more — 
 never." 
 
 There was no hope, no happiness for the future, 
 except such as she must create for herself. Other 
 people had suffered in the same way. Why should 
 she rebel against it so much ? Was life always sure 
 to be a period of happiness? Was it not rather 
 promised to us all that we should lie down in sorrow ? 
 Then the thought of Dagmar's trial made her feel 
 that after all no one was exempt. Dagmar had 
 
300 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 gloried in her strength and beauty, and in one day 
 she had lost both. It would be years before she could 
 be restored, and the beauty would have slowly taken 
 wings. 
 
 " The flower fadeth." There were no more pathetic 
 words in our language of imagery, no more pathetic 
 interpretation of the passing away of all that man and 
 woman prided themselves upon, than these — " The 
 flower fadeth". 
 
 " But the Word of the Lord," repeated Byrd slowly, 
 "endureth for ever." Nothing else endured, not 
 even 
 
 She started. Some one touched her on the shoulder 
 and laughed. 
 
 Byrd turned round quickly, then all the colour 
 forsook her cheeks. Before her stood Kilian's first 
 love — the woman who had brought him so much 
 sorrow. 
 
 " I saw you here before. I thought you were gone. 
 Where is Kilian Tresiddar?" 
 
 Byrd shuddered at hearing Kilian's name uttered 
 by that woman. There was nothing kindly in her 
 face, no expression but one of self-interest, which 
 overshadowed all her natural prettiness. She was 
 still extremely pretty, for art helped all that the years 
 had faded. Her hair was soft, golden and curling, 
 her eyebrows were darkened artificially, her teeth were 
 pearly white, and her lips red as a, rose, Her faultless 
 
BY THE RUNNING WATER 301 
 
 attire gave her a Dresden china look, and Byrd 
 realised at once that this woman could certainly have 
 the power of charming men. 
 
 Byrd wished to run away. Then all at once a great 
 pity took possession of her heart. Why talk of 
 charity and love, and then shrink from a fellow- 
 creature who had erred and strayed ? Had she been 
 a poor woman in a cottage, Byrd would have felt 
 tenderly towards her ; but because she was a* woman 
 who came between her and happiness ought she to 
 be less charitable ? 
 
 With a great effort, therefore, Byrd stood quite still 
 and answered her questions. 
 
 " I don't know where Mr. Tresiddar is." 
 
 " Ah ! then he hasn't " 
 
 " Don't let us discuss his doings," said Byrd, the 
 colour rushing back to her face. " You ought to know 
 about them. You ought to be with him — and with 
 your child." 
 
 Maggie Grey sat down on a low, wooden rail, and 
 looked like a lovely nymph in this picturesque 
 solitude. 
 
 " Then you have not accepted him ? How odd ! 
 Why is it ? I thought " 
 
 " I have not accepted him because he had promised 
 to marry you. He is the father of you child, your 
 right " 
 
 Maggie laughed aloud. 
 
302 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 The laugh made Byrd shudder. 
 
 " How odd ! You don't imagine, do you, that if I 
 had really wanted to marry him " 
 
 " He refused to keep his promise. He told me so." 
 
 Again the laugh. 
 
 " What a simpleton you must be ! He would have 
 married me long ago if I had let him ! I only pre- 
 tended, to persecute him." 
 
 Byrd did not believe a word she was saying. She 
 was anxious to get away from her, for her pity was 
 fast ebbing away. 
 
 '" I know nothing about it. He told me that you 
 still held him bound by his promise." 
 
 " Yes — I told him so ; I didn't see why he should 
 be so scornful now, when once it was all love and 
 kisses. Men are all like that. Take my advice. 
 Have nothing to do with him." 
 
 Maggie put her head on one side, and traced a 
 heart on the sandy path. Byrd said nothing, and 
 Maggie continued : — 
 
 " But 1 never meant it. Daisy is better off with 
 him, and children bore me to death." 
 
 " Poor little thing ! " 
 
 " Oh, yes, you cultivated an affection for her so as 
 to catch her father ! I know all about it." 
 
 " That is a lie ! " said Byrd angrily. 
 
 " Of course, you do the virtuous, but I know all the 
 dodges of you virtuous people." 
 
BY THE RUNNING WATER 303 
 
 Byrd repented of her anger. Was pity only to 
 last as long as the object of it was personally 
 polite ? 
 
 " I am sorry you think all this. I should like you 
 to believe the truth. I do love Mr. Tresiddar now, 
 but I loved Daisy first. I love all children. I love 
 him still, but I will never marry a man who has 
 promised another woman to — to — marry her." 
 
 " Do you mean that ? " 
 
 " Yes, from the bottom of my heart." 
 
 Again Maggie laughed. 
 
 " Well, you wouldn't get on much in the world. It 
 amuses me to turn a man round my little finger. If 
 I did not think of the future, for I am prudent, I 
 would never marry ; but one has to settle down, after 
 all, and it's better to do it with your eyes open." 
 
 " I think marriage is sacred." 
 
 " Oh dear ! If you knew the world you would 
 spare yourself the trouble of thinking like that. I 
 could teill you of some of the most respected married 
 men who " 
 
 " Please don't talk like that." 
 
 " You are a simpleton ! Well, I rather think you 
 mean it, which is odd, but you are making yourself 
 out a heroine for nothing." 
 
 Byrd was trembling with suppressed emotion. She 
 looked at the point of Maggie's sunshade, still tracing 
 a heart in the sand. 
 
304 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 / 
 
 " I don't know what you mean. I am certainly not 
 a heroine." 
 
 "Oh, I know you think so. I know I'm not, but 
 I'm not a hypocrite either. Honestly, a day with 
 Kilian Tresiddar would bore me to extinction. He 
 always bored me." 
 
 " Don't mention him, please." 
 
 " But I must, because, really and truly, I feel in- 
 clined to be nice to-day. I came to the farm to pick 
 up some of my possessions. Also I wanted to see 
 Kilian." 
 
 " He is not at the castle ; he went away two days 
 ago." 
 
 " It doesn't matter. You will do." 
 
 Byrd had found' strength to move. She made a 
 step forward. 
 
 " I must go back." 
 
 "Wait a minute. Do you really mean that you 
 have given up Kilian ? " 
 
 " Yes." 
 
 "Didn't he say that he was lonely, and all that? 
 He did to me." 
 
 " He is lonely." 
 
 " Don't believe the men ! They put on everything. 
 For instance But will you never marry him ? " 
 
 " Not as long as you live." 
 
 Maggie laughed aloud. 
 
 " Well, that is amusing ! Don't make rash vows. 
 
BY THE RUNNING WATER 305 
 
 I know you will break that one. However, I believe 
 you are speaking the truth as far as you can." 
 
 Byrd was silent. 
 
 " Not the truth about me. I mean to live as long 
 as possible and enjoy myself. Look at this." 
 
 She drew a purse from her pocket and took from it 
 a newspaper cutting. She made Byrd read it, knd it 
 announced the approaching marriage between the 
 Honourable Francis Bowlham and Miss Margaret 
 Grey. Byrd looked up. Her hand shook. 
 
 "Is that true?" 
 
 " True, of course ! He was engaged to a stupid 
 bread-and-butter miss, but he threw her over. Now 
 he is in the seventh heaven. You know the kind of 
 young man ! They are amusing. We go to Paris for 
 the honeymoon." 
 
 " Is it true ? " repeated Byrd. 
 
 " True, of course ! This day week look in The 
 Times. Tell Kilian if you like, and then you can 
 
 "Don't do it," said Byrd suddenly. "Think of 
 Daisy, at least " 
 
 Maggie laughed again, 
 
 " You are a simpleton. Do you think I'm going to 
 bother myself with a child ? Well, good-bye ; I don't 
 envy you." 
 
 " Good-bye," said Byrd, " and if you think better of ~^ 
 
 it I shall say nothing." 
 
 20 
 
306 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 " But I want you too. Kilian doesn't deserve his 
 luck, but I think you do. Good-bye, I don't bear 
 you malice." 
 
 Maggie Grey tripped away, and Byrd plunged into 
 the wood. Lying on the withered leaves, she tried to 
 collect her ideas. 
 
 "Is it true?" she said. "Is it true? Ought I to 
 wish it to be true ? " 
 
CHAPTER XXXII 
 
 LIFE'S IMPERFECTIONS 
 
 Whilst Byrd was standing by the bridge hearing 
 what, if true, would alter her whole life, another scene 
 was taking place in the pretty sitting-room at the castle. 
 
 Dr. Voss's morning visits had now diminished to 
 one at eleven o'clock, when Dagmar was already 
 dressed and lying on her couch. This morning Mrs. 
 Leworthy was packing, so that no one was with the 
 Countess when he entered. 
 
 " Well ?" said Dick, almost in his professional voice. 
 
 Dagmar smiled. 
 
 " Oh, I am much the same. In spite of your efforts 
 I shall never he a female Hercules. Perhaps change 
 would do me good." 
 
 " A sea voyage. Yes, I agree with you, and as you 
 like deeds to follow words quickly, shall I arrange it 
 for you ? " 
 
 "You always arrange everything." 
 
 She held out her white, blue -veined hand and 
 
 smiled. It was the smile of a tired woman, and 
 
 terribly pathetic. 
 
 (307) 
 
308 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 " Choose your country." 
 
 " I don't care in the least. No, that is not true. I 
 should not like the North Pole ; but I can bear heat." 
 
 " South Africa ? There is a place on the hills not 
 far from Pretoria which is going to be a health resort. 
 Come and make it fashionable." 
 
 " Very well." 
 
 "You can't go alone." 
 
 Dagmar looked up at him. 
 
 " No, I can't go — now." 
 
 " Shall I come with you ? " 
 
 He spoke slowly, and all his soul was in those few 
 words. 
 
 There was a pause. A painful silence surrounded 
 them. Dagmar leant her face — the side hidden by 
 lace — against her hand, and looked out thoughtfully 
 over the yellow-green sea. 
 
 " Dagmar ! " 
 
 " Yes, Dick ! " 
 
 " Don't you yet love me a little ? " 
 
 " Yes, yes ; more than a little now." 
 
 " Then let me come with you as your husband." 
 
 "As my private physician," and she smiled. 
 
 " No, I can't. Already this little nest of gossip is 
 shrieking at us." 
 
 "Oh dear! How funny!" 
 
 Dagmar laughed. 
 
 " But perhaps, for once, it has some cause. I am 
 
LIFE'S IMPERFECTIONS 509 
 
 here continually. I even avoid General Jeff." He 
 smiled. 
 
 "You don't come here often enough." 
 
 Dick'-s face was full of joy. 
 
 " Oh, my darling, I must come as your husband. 
 I can't bear it any longer." 
 
 Never had he spoken so firmly. 
 
 " But it will ruin your life and Let me say 'no'." 
 
 " I can't." 
 
 There was another pause. Dagmar sighed a little. 
 At last she whispered : — 
 
 " Dick, I vowed to say ' no ' when I was very ill." 
 
 " Never mind ; say ' yes ' now." 
 
 He folded her in his arms as tenderly as a mother 
 does her sick child. 
 
 " There is so little that I can give you, though I am 
 grateful," said Dagmar after a pause. 
 
 " I don't want gratitude." 
 
 " No, no, you want — never mind. Let us at least 
 be cheerful now. Byrd will be so glad, and Kilian 
 too.. It will be nice thinking out the African plan. 
 We'll go in state. Shall it be by special steamer? " 
 
 She was actually merry. 
 
 " Special deck cabin will do." 
 
 " And special licence. You deserve a speciality." 
 
 " Of a wife. I have it." 
 
 " You ought to have another wife for show. Oh, 
 Dick, you can't be proud of my beanty now." 
 
310 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 He tried to turn her mind away from their great 
 grief. Dagmar had loved her own beauty because 
 she loved all beauty. 
 
 " I prefer to be the husband of one wife ! Now I'll 
 go home to fetch all my guide-books. I have got 
 them all ready." 
 
 " Oh, I thought I was giving you a real surprise," 
 she said gravely. 
 
 " Everything you do is a surprise." 
 
 " We will be married in the morning, and sail in 
 the evening," said Dagmar. 
 
 She was like a child with a new toy, and thus the 
 morning flew before either of them knew it. 
 
 When Byrd came in, Dagmar was all eagerness to 
 tell her. 
 
 " Byrd, comq here ; listen to my news. It sounds 
 quite delightful after all these — those dark days ; but 
 don't you think it is cruel to saddle him with such a 
 helpless wife ? " 
 
 " Cruel ? Oh, no, I am so glad." 
 
 " Yes, cruel. He is so clever. He could be famous, 
 but with me his life will be ruined. He won't care 
 to do anything but to potter round me. Yes, I see it 
 plainly ; it is cruel." 
 
 Byrd laughed for joy, and kissed her friend. 
 
 "I'm so glad. Joy does come sometimes unex- 
 pectedly." 
 
 But she could not tell Dagmar her own news. 
 
LIFE'S IMPERFECTIONS 311 
 
 " Yes, trumps turn up for some people, but never 
 for me." 
 
 " They have to-day." 
 
 Dagmar shook her head. 
 
 " It's the black ace." 
 
 " What do you mean ? " 
 
 " I'll tell you, Byrd. I do love Dick ; at least, I'm 
 — oh, so grateful to him, and I feel I can't do with- 
 out him. Is that love? I hardly think so. Well, 
 when I was ill I made a vow — you make vows and 
 keep them, child — I made one that I would say ' no ' ; 
 and now look, I have said ' yes '." 
 
 " You should not make unrighteous vows." 
 
 " But vows are vows ; even I know that ! Yours is 
 foolish, for Kilian will never marry that little wretch." 
 
 Byrd did not argue to-day ; she only smiled. 
 
 " So you think I ought to marry Dick ? " continued 
 Dagmar. 
 
 " Of course. He does love you so much." 
 
 " And won't his sister be angry, and the village 
 will revile me ! " 
 
 " You won't mind that." 
 
 " I shall enjoy it ! I will send for Miss Dulcie and 
 tell her " 
 
 " Don't be spiteful." 
 
 Dagmar sank back against the soft cushions. 
 
 " Oh, it's only for a moment ! I am already tired 
 of the idea of Africa. I must telegraph to Kilian ; 
 
312 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 he must come back at once. I must be very quick, 
 and you must stay another week, and then all will be 
 over." 
 
 Byrd's breath was taken away ; but now she could 
 throw herself into these new plans. She could even 
 bear to think of seeing Kilian — if Maggie Grey had 
 
 spoken the truth. If So the excitement began 
 
 at once, and Dagmar took as much part in it as was 
 possible. She seemed quite roused, and some of the 
 old spirit returned — but it was always followed by 
 periods of deep depression. 
 
 Dick Voss was in a state of happiness not to be 
 described. It must be owned, however, that he could 
 not help regretting Dagmar's lost beauty ; but not 
 for one moment did it ever lessen his love. He loved 
 Dagmar for herself, for that indescribable charm 
 which some natures possess, being attuned to answer 
 the special needs of some other natures. 
 
 Dick had to confess to Sophy. He put it off for 
 one day, and then his conscience impelled him to 
 speak up. 
 
 " Sophy," he said carelessly, " you never mention 
 the Countess to me now, so I have had no oppor- 
 tunity " 
 
 " I never wish to hear her name," said Sophy 
 coldly. 
 
 " But we are to be married next week." 
 
 Sophy turned pale. 
 
LIFE'S IMPERFECTIONS 313 
 
 " Dick, it is not true ? Is it impossible to save 
 you ? " 
 
 " Think of your future ! Think of poor Dulcie ! " 
 This was, indeed, a last resort on Sophy's part. 
 
 Dick laughed. 
 
 " My dear Sophy, you do not really think that 
 Miss Jeff's attractions would ever have overcome 
 me?" 
 
 " But there are other women." 
 
 " There is the Countess." 
 
 " A disfigured, fast woman." 
 
 Dick rose in anger, his eyes flashed and his an- 
 swer cowed poor Sophy, who was silent till she 
 said : — 
 
 " Am I to announce it ? " 
 
 " As you please ; but it looks better if it comes 
 from you." 
 
 " I shall never see her." 
 
 "Very well." 
 
 " I wonder that you can marry a rich woman. 
 Some men " 
 
 " Are fools. We have not even mentioned money. 
 I am glad she is rich. She will want all that money 
 can buy to make her life happy." 
 
 " Indeed ! " 
 
 " Come, Sophy, wish me joy," 
 
 " I — I can't Dick. I did hope to see you married 
 to a — lady of your own standing." 
 
314 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 Dick lost his patience and never spoke again about 
 his wedding. 
 
 Kilian appeared in two days. Byrd greeted him 
 calmly, though her heart was beating fast. She 
 would be brave, she would not think of Maggie Grey, 
 so she said ; but, nevertheless, the thought of her 
 words gave her courage to appear self-possessed and 
 even cheerful. Kilian wondered. He had never ex- 
 pected to meet Byrd again, and here she was, at 
 every one's beck and call. Once, even, he caught her 
 singing. Byrd and Daisy were to be bridesmaids, 
 and the latter was too excited to keep still. The 
 wedding was to be in the drawing-room, for Dagmar 
 could not go to church. 
 
 " People are always married in church, aren't they, 
 father ? " asked Daisy innocently ; but Kilian pre- 
 tended not to hear. 
 
 Mrs. Leworthy left off complaining, because she 
 was wanted. In her heart she wished that it was 
 Byrd's wedding. 
 
 The day came very soon, but that morning Byrd, 
 casting her eyes over the announcements in The 
 Times, actually saw the name she was hoping to see. 
 She blushed scarlet, but she said nothing, and Kilian, 
 busy with papers for his sister, did not read the paper 
 that morning. 
 
 It was a singular wedding, for Dagmar was still 
 lying on her couch. She would not wear white, but 
 
LIFE'S IMPERFECTIONS 315 
 
 she was dressed in soft grey silk covered with ex- 
 quisite lace, and a white lace mantilla hid one side 
 of her face. 
 
 " Byrd, come here," she said when the service was 
 over. " I wish I could think that you also would 
 break your vow." 
 
 Byrd fetched The Times and pointed to the an- 
 nouncement. 
 
 " That is good news ! Now you see the sort of. 
 woman she is. I expect she had kidnapped that 
 young man. But does Kilian know ? " 
 
 Byrd shook her head. 
 
 " That is a real wedding present. I was going to 
 give you one. Look at this letter from Grant. No, 
 I'll tell you. He has got his play accepted, and he 
 wants me to be proud of him. Poor fellow, I am." 
 
 " Somehow I believe it is your doing 1 You make 
 others happy, you will be happy yourself. Oh, I am 
 glad, so glad for you and Dr. Voss." 
 
 Dagmar shook her head. 
 
 " If I could make him happy, but I can't ; and oh, 
 Byrd, I can't even be beautiful again. Do you know 
 that that thought haunts me ? Do you despise me ? " 
 
 " No, but I can't understand it. If he does not 
 mind, then " 
 
 "Kiss me again, 'you dear, good, singing Byrd. 
 Oh, you can sing now, and ask some one to buy 
 your roses. They are blowing again on your cheeks. 
 
3l6 SENT to COVENTRY 
 
 Will you do something for me? Take this picture 
 of my child. I value it more than anything I have." 
 
 Byrd drew back. 
 
 '' I can't take it. You must have it with you." 
 
 Dagmar shook her head. 
 
 " No, I am going to begin a new life. I want to 
 think that you and Kilian, you especially, will value 
 it. Don't refuse it. I belong to Dick now, just for 
 a time, you know. If I have broken my vow let 
 me do it thoroughly." 
 
 She laughed, and Byr^d stooped down and kissed 
 her as she accepted the picture. 
 
 " You have made Dr. Voss thoroughly happy, 
 darling. Look, here he comes, and Kilian with him." 
 
 Kilian had lost his calm manner. He held another 
 copy of The Times in his hands, which had come to 
 him by post, and he had only just opened it. 
 
 " Dagmar," he said stooping down, " have you 
 heard — have you seen this ? " 
 
 " Yes, of course, and Byrd too. What a pity it 
 could not be a double wedding to-day 1 " 
 
 All that Byrd had gone through had deepened her 
 character, and the words did not startle her. Her 
 future joy would never be the perfect thing she had 
 expected of it. 
 
 Kilian let Dr. Voss put Byrd's hand into his, so 
 evidently some one had told him the story. 
 
 " This is our best wedding gift, isn't it, Dagmar? " 
 
LIFE'S IMPERFECTIONS 317 
 
 He tried to speak in a matter-of-fact voice, for fear 
 of exciting his wife. 
 
 " You see, you were wrong all the time, Byrd," 
 said Dagmar. 
 
 "Was I?" 
 
 " She was true to herself," murmered Kilian. 
 
 " Where is Daisy ? " asked Byrd hastening away. 
 
 Her heart was too full. She could not bear even 
 Kilian's looking at her. 
 
 Dulcie and Dora peeped through the blinds as the 
 bridal pair drove past their house. Dulcie sighed 
 audibly. 
 
 " She has taken him from us, Dora ; but they will 
 repent." 
 
 " Sophy says that he will soon be tired of her." 
 
 " What are we to do when dear papa is ill ? " 
 
 " We must trust in Providence, dear Dulcie." 
 
 " Providence isn't quite the same as a qualified 
 doctor, Dora dear." 
 
 "We can always have peppermint drops," said 
 Dora, wishing to make the best of a bad case. 
 
 " And no one will know that I gave up personal 
 happiness rather than leave you alone with the heavy 
 responsibility of dear papa's health." 
 
 " We must tell them." 
 
 " I shall try to be cheerful for your sake, darling, 
 and for dear papa's sake." 
 
318 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 " We must try to be all in all to poor Sophy." 
 
 " Dora you are an angel ! " 
 
 " There is dear papa coughing. No, I think he is 
 only breathing hard. He is having a tiny nap." 
 
 " In future we will never believe in men." 
 
 " Never, dear — except in dear papa." 
 
 "This time she will never come back again," said 
 Dora, giving a last look at the retreating carriage. 
 
 " Neither will he," sighed Dulcie. 
 
 Byrd's romance was not to end at the castle. She 
 went back to London with her mother, but London 
 was no longer the cheerless desert she had previously 
 found it, but the most delightful place in the world. 
 Kilian was there, and Daisy lived altogether with her 
 now till she married. 
 
 Telegrams from Dagmar and Dick filled up the 
 measure of their happiness. Two letters posted from 
 St. Helena were read and re-read. Dick's was full of 
 happiness. He seemed to be too happy for many 
 words. Dagmar's letter was addressed to Byrd. 
 She spoke only of Dick — how good he was, and how 
 he deserved some one better than herself, and also 
 some one who would not be a drag upon him ! But 
 Dick would not let her say it. 
 
 " She is happy," said Byrd, looking up at Kilian. 
 
 " Not as happy as we are. Dagmar is never really 
 satisfied." 
 
LIFE'S IMPERFECTIONS 319 
 
 Byrd said nothing, for she knew now that life's 
 sweetest cup is seldom perfect, 
 
 Mrs. Leworthy had never been told the truth about 
 the breaking-off of Byrd's engagement, and why the 
 difference between the lovers was so suddenly made 
 up again. This proved to her that Byrd was very 
 changeable and headstrong. She had always said so. 
 
 Grant never spoke much of Dagmar, but he was 
 now well launched on the stormy sea of the play- 
 writer, and he had little time for other thoughts. 
 Though he did not realise it, Dagmar had, after all, 
 given him her best gift. 
 
 Byrd and Kilian were married very quietly in a 
 little obscure church, and as they drove away, Daisy, 
 who was left with Mrs. Leworthy, was promised a 
 new home and a new mother. 
 
 But even i^yrd's honeymoon was not to be un- 
 alloyed happiness. Two days after their arrival at 
 Keswick came a telegram announcing Dagmar's 
 sudden death, caused by an accident. In getting off 
 the ship the Countess had accidentally fallen into the 
 water. She must have received a fatal blow in fall- 
 ing, for when rescued she was dead. 
 
 Dick's distracted letter which followed later could 
 tell but little more. He only announced»his intention 
 of never returning to England, but of becoming a 
 travelling physician for the benefit of lonely settlers. 
 He did not require money, (or Dagmar had left him 
 
320 SENT TO COVENTRY 
 
 and Kilian all her fortune between them. He further 
 said that he meant to set up a sanatorium near Pre- 
 toria for those consumptive patients who were unable 
 to pay their own expenses. His last words were : — 
 
 " Our short married life was perfect. I shall try to 
 face my sorrow like a man, but at present it seems 
 almost unendurable." 
 
 There were only three persons who did not grieve 
 for Dagmar's death. Dulcie Jeff and her sister began 
 again to look forward to the future, and Sophy Voss 
 called Dagmar's death " a special Providence ". 
 
 There are in the world many strange things called 
 by that name, and this was one of them ! 
 
 THE END. 
 
 John Long, Publisher. 6 Chandos Street, Strand, London,