"Certainly—my deliberate opinion. I am honored, Percivale, that you have trusted me so generously."
"I knew you were to be trusted," said Percivale, simply; then, turning his face fully towards him with a fine smile, he added—"I shall, of course, tell my wife the whole story when we are married."
"What, names and all?" said Claud anxiously.
"Names and all. I will marry no woman unless I feel that I can safely lay my life and honor in her hands."
Claud had no reply to make; in the silence which followed, the door at the obscure end of the room opened, and the servant, advancing to the borders of the lamplight, announced,
"Lady Mabel Wynch-Frère and Miss Brabourne."
CHAPTER XL.
Beat, happy stars, timing with things below,
Beat with my heart, more blest than heart can tell,
Blest, but for some dark undercurrent woe
That seems to draw—but it shall not be so:
Let all be well, be well.
Maud.