He again took her hand, and sealed the ring upon her finger by the pressure of a long, fervent kiss.

The ring was one he always wore-an antique. It would be dear to Mary to possess it!

It would recall so many happy moments. His pleasant voice, his bright smile, his kind, open countenance, his unexpressed, though clearly understood sympathy, his advice so often needed, so beneficial!

His influence had been exercised over her for good. Why should she not wish to remember him, and give him pleasure, too?

"I will keep it," she said, while a crimson hue tinged her cheek. "I will keep it as a dear memento, but not for ever-only for a It must be returned to you

few months.

some day."

George was but too alive to the charm of her simple, yet feeling nature. Both, apparently fearful of prolonging the interview, took the way to the house, while Mary explained the cause of her sudden departure.

"Arthur is travelling on the Continentprobably he will be away a year, and I shall

have but few and uncertain opportunities of hearing from him, perhaps. I therefore prefer to spend the greater part of his absence at my old home."

She spoke the truth, though much was concealed in her words. She felt that a communication with regard to her husband's movements was in some degree due to the delicacy which had prompted George to avoid the subject.

"I shall be very busy with Eustace," she added. "I shall also find many avocations ready prepared for me at Harcourt Abbey. The time will pass away very quickly, and we must hope for brighter days."

It was a relief to George to think that the tyranny which her husband exercised over her would at least cease for some months. She had, he felt, taken a judicious step in resolving to return to Harcourt Abbey, nor was he selfish enough to weigh in the balance with her good, his own loss of her dear society.

Bitterly he indeed mourned over the infatuation which had blinded him to the consequences of her dangerous fascinations.

304

THE SECRET MARRIAGE.

They reached the house. The parting was

soon over.

Another "Farewell, Heaven bless you!" but on Mary's heart these words sounded producing an agonizing feeling of loneliness, which the same from her husband's lips had failed to inspire.

The morrow found her and her child en route to Harcourt Abbey.

END OF VOL. I.

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