"One must take a risk now and then," Elsie answered. "I mean, do one's duty and face the consequences."
Andrew did not reply and she picked up her knitting.
"Well, peace must come, sometime," she said. "Have you thought what you will do then?"
"Yes; if I could see Dick starting well as the owner of Appleyard, and, better still, safely married, I'd go away again."
"What do you mean by 'safely married'?"
"I think you know. He's such a good sort, and a girl who understood him and was patient with his failings would soon help him to get rid of them. She'd make the most of his good points, and Dick has talents—"
"Are there girls like that?"
"Yes," said Andrew, firmly; "I am quite sure that I know one."
Elsie gave him a curious glance.
"But you're only thinking of Dick. What about yourself?"