He had waited till he was certain as to whether Sir John was going to be permitted to enter Bod Elian, and then took himself off to the Abbey farm, to wait there till the visitor should be gone. He had no wish to receive Sir John's thanks, or to let him see by his behaviour how little he cared about his gratitude. So he thought it on the whole wisest to be absent.

He felt there was a time now come for him, that however long, or however brief, would contain the most bitter moments of suspense he had ever known.

CHAPTER XXI.

THE BITTER CUP.

HIRELL had no time to think of changing her dusty black dress or to bathe her eyes that ached with the strong sun which had shone before them so blindingly at the Martyr's Oak.

She could not even obey her father in helping Kezia to prepare some refreshment for Sir John. Directly she got into the house she went straight to her father's room and sat down between the bureau and the windowvery still - so still, that Kezia, coming anxiously from her preparations, to look at her, thought she had fainted. But when she called to her and touched her, Hirell looked up with a sweet, wild kind of smile, and taking Kezia's hand, locked it tightly in both her own, then put it from her, saying

"Don't mind me-don't hinder."

As Kezia left the room, she met Sir John and Elias coming towards it, and turning back looked at Hirell to warn her.

She remained very still, but Kezia knew she was aware of their coming, and quietly

went out.

66

Hirell," said Elias, "Sir John has said that to me, which I think entitles him to say it also to you. Hear him patiently. My child, I leave you in God's hands. Whatever you do, be sure of His blessing, and I have nothing more to ask."

She turned her head then, and looking at Elias, answered almost in a whisper

"Yes, father."

Then she heard him go out and close the door, and knew that Sir John was close to her, one hand on the back of her chair, the other on the table before her.

"Hirell!"

She was silent and motionless.

"O Hirell, forgiveness has come for me, at

last, has it not?"

"Yes, Sir John; you know it."

“Do I know it? may I trust that I know it ?"

"You may.

His hand trembled-she saw it tremble at the sound of her voice which was cold and forced.

"I may-ah yes I know I have your Christian forgiveness, Hirell, but it is not that I mean, it is your own heart's full forgiveness that I need."

"And that you have.'

all

'If I have that, Hirell, I am blessed, indeed, for I know that you cannot give me that without giving me back with it all that was mine before. I am here to offer you that God has given me, sincere repentance for what has been-my name--my wealth-my devoted love-my eternal care and cherishing-"

"Sir John Cunliff!"

She spoke so coldly that involuntarily he took his hand from her chair, and drew back a little way as if stung. He stood more directly facing her now, and she looked up at him with heavy mournful eyes as she spoke.

"I can give you nothing but the free forgiveness that has long been yours, and my

heart's best wishes for your good. I can take nothing from you but your forgiveness and good wishes, which I ask for, Sir John."

He looked at her with eyes full of passionate, tender incredulity. He said to himself that it could not be there was such cruel strength of purpose in such a fair, childish face-more childish now, strange to say, in its thinness and delicacy than he had ever seen it. Was Elias, after all, untruthful in telling him no one had tried to influence her against him? He thought of her early love and its utter guilelessness and humility, and felt it was impossible she could mean indeed to refuse him.

He did not answer very soon, and his silence affected Hirell far more than any words could have done. Though her eyes were still tearless and her lips closed firmly, he saw her fingers fluttering nervously near her slender, swelling throat, as if there were rising in it words or cries she would fain repress.

"O Hirell," he cried, suddenly kneeling by the table where she sat, and laying his hand on her wrist, "You haven't quite ceased to love me, have you?"