“Did he indeed? Was that all you were speaking of?”
“Not quite all; but I find your husband knows the story; he will tell you, as he ought,” added Anne pointedly.
“Surely I will, one day,” said Nathanael. “But in this case, as in many others, where there has been misfortune or wrong, I consider the best, wisest, most charitable course is not to spread it abroad until the wrong has had a chance of being remedied. Do you not think so, Anne?”
“Yes,” she answered, her eyes fixed upon the resolute young face that seemed compelling her to silence almost against her will. It was marvellous to see the influence Nathanael had, even over Anne Valery.
“And now,” continued Mr. Harper, “while I am alone with you and my wife”—here he drew Agatha within the circle of talk, and made her lean against his knee, his arm shielding her from the wind—“I wanted to talk with you, Anne, about some plans I have.”
“Say on.”
“I have given up—as Agatha wrote you word—all idea of our settling at Montreal. It is necessary that I should at once find some employment in England.”
“Not yet—not just yet,” said his wife.
“I must, dear. It is right—it is necessary. Anne herself would say so.”
Miss Valery assented, much to Agatha's surprise.