"And Giles?"
"In the same way, of course," she replied.
"But—if both failed, and Mike came to have his try at it?"
Ysenda raised her pretty head with a gesture of pride.
"Then," she replied, "it would most certainly be all right. As to Michael's good heart I have no misgiving whatever. Quite independently of the spell, no sooner would he have it in his power to show kindness to any one in need of it than he would be eager to do so."
"I agree with you," said her old friend; and to himself he added, "I suspected as much. Ah well, they are worthy of each other, and I trust that all will prosper with them."
Then after a moment's silence he went on again:
"I will do as you advise, my child. To-morrow I will announce my intention, and take the three into my confidence as far as is necessary. Then when my own summons comes I shall feel that I have acted for the best—fairly by all, though my own wishes are with that good young fellow, Michael."
Ysenda rose to go.
"You will come again soon?" said the old man. "The sands are running out quickly, I feel, and I am not likely to be mistaken."