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sure that there is very much in me that needs mending. So please tell me of whatever you see wrong, and I will try and be exactly what you wish me."

Hero's sweet face and pretty pleading manner were generally irresistible; but Leo was put out, and determined to be annoyed. So he answered coldly

"Oh! I see nothing that I have any right to find fault with, only it is rather hard, after we have been parted so long, that the whole of our time should be spent in discussing the people of Mallett, or singing the praises of a man who seems to have found a great deal more favour in your eyes than it was ever my good fortune to do."

"Now, Leo, that is unjust and very unkind."

praise a man whom I don't know, and don't want to know."

"But you often tell me about people you meet while you are away. I don't know Lady Jane Heathcote, or Miss Majoribanks, and yet I like to hear about them."

"Perhaps if I had chosen to tell you the very great interest they both took in me, you would not have cared about it quite so much," and Leo gave a little laugh. "There was not a man at York but was dying to know Miss Majoribanks. They manoeuvred to meet her, and tried to get invited to the house. Whereas I had carte blanche to come whenever I felt inclined, and before she accepted anything, she always contrived to find out from somebody if I was likely to be there. "Is it?" he said sulkily; "I don't As you know, I am the last man in the mean it to be. Of course, I have no right world to have any vanity about me; but to complain. What chance can a poor beg- I sometimes think that in this worldgar like me have against a man credited forgotten place you do not understand with every good quality under the sun? the temptations we have to go through, What fools men are," he exclaimed, "for and when these are resisted, you must the sake of one woman giving up every-own, it is a trifle hard to find the love thing, longing for a sight of her, thinking which made you do it treated as a matter of nobody but her, while she is perfectly of course, and a thing of no value." happy; more particularly if somebody new is paying her sufficient attention!”

This was rather too much for Hero to bear. Good-tempered as she was, she had plenty of spirit, and this being roused, she drew away her hand from his arm, where she had coaxingly laid it, and said

“Leo, you know perfectly well that the accusations you are making are quite false. I should never have suspected you of the meanness which gives rise to such charges. I have every right to think and to speak of Sir Stephen Prescott as I do. He was exceedingly kind to me, and to those I am interested in ; and I like him, and I always shall like him; but when you speak of such motives, and say that my feelings are more than friendly towards him, you make me very angry with you."

"So it seems; but anger against the accuser does not prove that the accusation is false."

"Leo! you cannot mean seriously to tell me, that you believe I could prefer the attentions of any other man to those I receive from you, or that I could be so engrossed in his society as to make me forget you?" and Hero regarded her lover earnestly.

"I did not say that you could," he answered doggedly. "What I complain of is, your doing nothing but talk about and

Hero was silent. She would not trust herself to answer-indeed, words were not forthcoming in which she could express her feelings. There was something despicable in a man hinting at any personal weakness a woman had betrayed towards him. She had always felt certain how much Leo must be admired and sought after, and the assurance that, in spite of all the clever, beautiful girls he saw, he still remained true to his little country love, had been a triumph Hero had hugged to her heart a hundred times.

Was it possible that Leo was not all that she pictured him? Hero had not had very great opportunities of personal judgment. Her knowledge of Leo's character was principally formed from his letters, which were always perfect for letter-writing was an art upon which he prided himself greatly. Since she had been capable of judging, he had never lived for any time in Mallett, and during the occasional weeks he had spent there, when everything had been given up to his amusement and pleasure, Leo had been charming. He was naturally good-tempered, and, so long as nothing interfered with his personal comfort, vanity, and love of rule, he was a perfect companion, always entertaining, obliging, and delightful. Love of self was his grand passion

a passion rooted in his heart and nature, bearing as fruit those captivating

qualities which gained him the popularity and adulation upon which he lived.

Putting down Hero's silence to jealousy, he considered he had made a successful hit, and thought he -"It is just as well for her to know that it is not every man who would give up the many chances I have had." Often when dunned to death for debts contracted, that he might look like other fellows, Leo had felt tempted to put an end to the engagement. He knew he could not marry until these debts were paid, though when they would be paid he had no idea. However, as Hero was content to wait, he supposed that wait they must.

This was the first positive quarrel he and Hero had ever had, and Leo determined that he would not afford a precedent by seeking forgiveness, or condoning the matter too easily; so looking at his watch, he said — .

"I see it is time I was off." Then, taking his hat in one hand, and holding out the other, he went on in the same measured tone 66 I hope the next time I have the pleasure of seeing you we may prove more agreeable companions to each

other."

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"I had no wish to quarrel, neither am I at all angry; and Leo assumed a most injured air. "But I must say, that the first time I have ever hinted at a fault in you, you have chosen to receive it in a manner that teaches me I must be more cautious for the future, and not quite so candid and plain-spoken as my stupid disposition leads me to be."

ticularly unloverlike kiss on Hero's upturned face.

Hero let him go as far as the door, then she said—

"Is that your good-bye, Leo ?" "I really have not an idea of what you require of me, Hero. I have told you that I am not angry, agreed to forget our conversation, and already said good-bye. I do not know what more I can do, except I repeat the same all over again, and, as I tell you, I am pressed for time."

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"Then pray do not let me detain you; and, feeling that she had been overbountiful in her concession, Hero turned to the window, and Leo, after a moment's pause and another "Good-bye," which received no answer, went out of the house, and up the walk, without once turning round or looking in the direction where he had left Hero standing.

She watched him out of sight, then sitting down, she burst into a flood of tears. "How did we drift into this?" she said, as, her fit over, she began to dry her eyes. "I suppose I was partly to blame; but I wish he had not said what he did. I hope no one will call. Anybody could see that I have been crying; indeed, I should begin again if any one spoke to me. I think I'll go and look for Jim, and get him to take me out for an hour."

Putting on her hat, she walked quickly down by one of the most unfrequented paths to the beach below, and, after a few minutes spent in looking about, found the object of her search busily employed at his usual occupation of sail mending.

"Jim, are you very busy?" Hero asked, hardly liking to take him away from his more profitable labour.

"That all depends on who wants me," "Oh, Leo! why will you misunder-answered the old man, with a look that stand me?" and Hero looked at him re- told his readiness to do whatever his proachfully. "If I have misunderstood questioner might require. you and I am sure I must have done so forgive me. We love each other, Leo, do we not?" and she clasped his hand tightly between both of hers. "Let us forget it all, and part friends, and never allow anything like this to come between us again."

"I want you to take me out in the boat for a little while. I don't feel inclined to go for a walk to-day. Can you come?"

"Surely I can," said Jim, rising with alacrity. "I ain't doin' nothin' that can't wait till to-morrow. You sit down, and I'll be ready for 'ee, Miss Hero, in a brace o' shakes."

And certainly an incredibly short time. had elapsed when the little boat was ready and off.

"My dear Hero, will you please to remember that it is you who have been angry, not I. However, I am quite ready to forget it all, only I have no more time to spare now. I promised Aunt Lydia It was a lovely afternoon, and as Hero not to be late, and it is already nearly leaned back, hearing no sound but the four o'clock; so I must be off at once. ripple made by her own hand in the Good-bye." water, she gave a sigh to think how differAnd he stooped, and bestowed a parent all would seem if Leo were with her.

1

Then she began to take herself to task on the subject of their quarrel.

Did she think too much of Sir Stephen? Had she been too open and friendly with him? Something whispered that there had been more than friendliness in his manner.

Never before had she felt the difficulties of her position; for, in spite of the misunderstanding between themselves, and the knowledge all her friends possessed of her preference for Leo, he had not spoken to her father, nor had they entered upon any formal engagement. This was not an unusual state of affairs in Mallett, where mothers and fathers would say they would not hear of anything binding until the promotion was certain. But in this case the objection came not from Captain Carthew, but from Leo, who said he could not endure long engagements, and therefore theirs should not be called an engagement, to be canvassed and talked over by the Mallett gossips; until he was in a position to marry, he would not ask Captain Carthew's formal consent. Under these circumstances, Hero could hardly tell Sir Stephen that she was engaged.

"If he sees us together," she thought, "he will understand, and I feel I can depend upon him afterwards. Suppose

there was no Leo?"

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you, Miss Hero; and, by what I've seed, though I don't tell they so, 'tis my belief they baint so far out, neither. Would 'ee hab un, Miss Hero? I wish you would. He's made nearer after your pattern than somebody else I could name."

And he gave a significant glance towards the point where the forts were building.

"It is very odd," thought Hero, "that none of the village people care for Leo; they seem to know that he dislikes them."

"But you must try and like Mr. Despard for my sake, Jim."

Jim shook his head sadly. "Tis cos' o' you, Miss Hero, that I turns agin' un. He's no more fitted to be mated with you-why, than I be." "That is only because he is a soldier, Jim, nothing else."

"No, now that it aint," replied Jim, stoutly. "Why, I never said nothin' agin' Cap'n Ellis, and he a marine too; nor neither that young Crozier, from Dockmouth, as used to be allers a busnacking about 'ee; and that time when you comed to chapel with Betsey, and they two foller'd, didn't I change the hymn, and give out, 'Gird thy loins up, Christian soldier,' a purpose to show to 'em

The way we preach is free to all,
And happy they who come.

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THAT same evening Captain Carthew told Hero that he had met Mr. Truscott.

"He came over," said the Captain, "to see what more furniture would be wanted to set the place ship-shape. The rooms that look towards the water are to be fitted up for Sir Stephen's mother, he tells me."

"I hope she will be like him, papa.”

"I hope so too, for I took an uncommon fancy to him. He's a straightforward, plain-sailing fellow. I shall be very glad to see him again. Here, I say, Hero, we must crowd on all sail in the way of

picnics and tea-fights, so that the time by the tightness of the hug which Hero will pass quickly with her ladyship. bestowed upon her father, whose glistenThese fashionable folks are accustomed ing eyes told what it would cost him to to plenty of pleasure-taking. Leo will be part with his treasure. able to help us there; it is just in his line. I suppose that you and he understand each other, Hero?" he continued, after a little pause; "because Leo has never really asked my consent. He certainly did once say something about expecting his promotion, and then he should have a favour to ask of me; but that is all." 66 But you said that he might come here, papa."

66 Yes, my dear; and I have no objection to his doing so. Only, as I don't quite know what tack he's upon, I wanted to hear in what light you consider that you two stand towards each other."

"We look upon ourselves as if we were engaged. I thought you understood that, papa."

"Yes, from you, but not from him; and, as he is stationed here, and will want to come philandering about, I thought I'd speak to you, and then to him.”

"Not to him, papa."

And Hero went over, and sat on a little stool between her father's knees.

"And why not to him?" asked Captain Carthew, rubbing his hand against his daughter's round, peachy cheek.

"Because I know that Leo thinks that until a man can marry it is best not to ter into an announced engagement." "In that case, a man is wrong in speaking to the girl herself."

"Well, but he did not. - he wouldn't have spoken to me. Oh!" she exclaimed, taking hold of the old man's hands, and hiding her face in then, "I don't know

To the bluff old sailor Hero was the very apple of his eye, the sunlight of his life. It was not a love shown in much outward demonstration, but in the thorough understanding and companionship which existed between them, and had so existed from the time that his little darkeyed maiden could toddle after him.

Sir Stephen had gradually taken notice of all the small, silent attentions which Hero paid to her father-services which the mind of a man often unconsciously dwells upon more than on the most elaborate display of accomplishments, or the most studied toilettes. Hero Carthew possessed very few accomplishments. Her dress was simple, and, to the initiated eye, old-fashioned; yet Sir Stephen found himself watching her with admiring gaze as she moved about doing all sorts of homely duties.

Since his return he had seen women more beautiful and fascinating, yet not one had touched his heart, and made it feel fresh and young again as she had. He almost smiled at his own impatience to see her again.

"I must remember the lesson I have been taught," he said, “and not be guilty en-twice in my life of such folly as I then indulged in. Good Heavens ! when I recall the misery a few sharp words or a cold look would give me, I wonder can I be the same man. I shall never love again like that; but I shall love her very dearly, and it shall go hard if I do not make her happy, as one so sweet and fresh deserves to be. She will do me all the good in the world, and bring back a heap of things that of late years seem to have been slipping away from me. I was getting into a state of disbelief in every"A very pretty state of things!" ex-thing; but that queer old Mallett and its claimed Captain Carthew; "and I'm expected to say yes, am I? Ah, well, I suppose oldsters and youngsters never see alike in these affairs; for, had I the choosing of a husband for you, Hero, Leo Despard would not be the man I should fix upon."

I can't tell how it all happened; but, in some way or other, I knew that Leo cared for me, and he knew that I cared for him, | and that whenever he could afford to marry, he would ask your consent."

"No, papa? Why not? He is such a favourite; everybody likes Leo."

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Perhaps so; and I don't say I don't like him-only — I — well

I take him for a thief, you see,
I know he'd steal ye, Molly darlint.'

And the rest of the song was stopped

people took a sight of nonsense out of me. By the way, I may as well find out when we shall be ready to start, so as to give old Dame Tucker plenty of time."

Accordingly, after dinner he said— "Mother, when do you think it will suit you to go down to Combe? I should like to give the housekeeper fair notice."

"I am going to Horndean on the 8th, and after that I have promised to pay Julia a visit. Would it suit you if I said the 2nd or 3rd of August?"

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Perfectly. I shall have finished my fishing engagement, and be able to meet you here, and take you down."

There was silence for a few minutes, during which Sir Stephen conjured up the vision of Hero, which he most loved to recall, and which was graven most vividly on his memory. He could bring back the sharp rocks, the green sea glittering in the bright April sun, the little boat, and Hero singing her quaint song to the deaf old boatman.

you. She would never forgive me if I did such a thing; so I must tell her that I am very sorry that I should have so misled myself and her, but that I find you prefer going to this place alone. It is putting me in rather an awkward position, for I have left so many things for us to do together down there. I fancied that while you were off on your excursions, we Mrs. Prescott, on her part, was busy should be left to our own devices; so I thinking how best she could put the ques-arranged our little plans accordingly." tion she was bent on asking, and she suddenly broke the spell by saying"Of course, Stephen, you have no objection to Katherine coming with us? "Indeed I have a very great objec

tion."

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"Now, my dear, how very inconsistent you are! I told you that I had promised her that we would spend the autumn together."

"Just so. But you added, if it fell in with my plans."

"Most certainly I put in that proviso, as I always do, which meant, unless you wanted me to go to some place where she could not go, or did not wish to go; but I never supposed for an instant that this applied to Combe, a place of all others where I should need her company."

"I do not see why you should need her company. You will have me with you."

"Now do not be unreasonable, Stephen. There is no occasion for me to tell you that your place can never be filled by anybody else; but, when you are at Combe, you will want to enjoy all this boating and shooting you have so dwelt upon, and you certainly do not for one moment suppose that such things can possess any attraction for an old woman like me. Why, my dear, I would not get into a small boat for all that the world could offer me. I could not do it my nerves would not stand it. Then, what is to be done? Are you to be deprived of all your enjoyment? If not, I must sit in the house, or wander about the grounds alone."

"But, mother dear, you speak as if I proposed taking you into a wilderness. There are plenty of people there for you to know. There is Miss Carthew, whom I spoke to you of. You could not have a nicer girl about you than she is."

Mrs. Prescott felt her back stiffen. "That she may be," she said; "but you forget, Stephen, that I have passed the age for making new friends. It is a thing quite beyond me now However, I have no wish to force Katherine upon

Sir Stephen looked as he felt, thoroughly vexed, and out of temper. It had never once entered his mind that his mother would ask Mrs. Labouchere to accompany them. Certainly, she had said something about being engaged to Katherine, but had added that it could all be arranged; and this mode of arrangement he had most assuredly never counted upon. It was now more than ever his wish that his present relations with Katherine should not be disturbed, as when he married it would be a great comfort to leave his mother with her.

He felt certain, from his mother's tone, that she had set her heart upon having her niece with her, and that if her plans were thwarted, she would go to Mallett determined to dislike it, and everybody connected with it. Besides which, he knew that if she were sighing after Katherine, Hero would find no favour in her eyes. What had he best do? He so much wanted her to like Hero; but let her once imagine that it was for Hero's sake that Katherine was kept away, and, though she were an angel, Mrs. Prescott would do nothing but find out her faults and failings. So, disturbing the perusal of a gloomy tome, in which she was pretending to be engrossed, he said

"Do not say anything to Katherine for a day or two, mother, and I will think the matter over.'

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Mrs. Prescott's heart sung again at this ray of hope, though she was too true a woman to say, "So be it." She fancied that she saw a safer way of gaining her point than immediate acquiescence; so she answered lugubriously

"Thank you, my dear; but I think it is best to let your present decision stand. You know that I always wish to act towards others as I should like them to act towards me; so I feel it would not be fair to permit that Katey should be an unintentional intruder. Never mind what I said," she added, smiling faintly as she took his hand, “I shall get on very well alone. I own that for a moment I felt a little hurt on Katherine's account, as

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