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do not share. I have learned to accept it.”
    â€œI scarcely knew it,” said Alfred. “And she and Hereward will not. The companionship will be between you and him.”
    â€œYes, in another sense, Father. As it has been between you and me. Oh, I have understood. I have been content with my place. It is a content that is natural to me. I am even content with my own face, with the example of yours before me. And when mine should resemble it by right of inheritance.”
    â€œYour mother reproached me for not transmitting my looks to my daughters. She had little value for them in my case.”
    â€œYes, it was a strange stroke of fate. I often think of the first impression we must make. Aunt Penelope perhaps makes a bridge between us. Some kind of stepping-stone is needed.”
    â€œSo my appearance has its use, and my brother’s has not,” said her aunt. “It might hardly be the natural conclusion.”
    â€œIt has indeed. And the conclusion might not be so unnatural. Ah, that nameless touch about you might be worth any handsomeness to some minds. Not to mine, as the father and daughter feeling stands in the way. But I can put myself in the other place. In my nature I am more drawn to a woman’s quality than a man’s.”
    â€œI have never been jealous of my sister,” said Hereward. “I hope I may not be now. You must not find a way of coming between us.”
    â€œThere could be no way. And I shall not seek one. I shall strive heart and soul to cement the bond. It is too great and precious a thing to be lightly assailed and weakened. You may trust me. In such a matter I am worthy of trust.”
    â€œIn all matters,” said Hereward, in a lower tone. “I will stay no longer to-day. I feel I should take no more. And indeed there is no more to take. I have gained the whole.”
    â€œYou are wise, my dear?” said Alfred, when they were alone. “You had little time to think. And only under other eyes. And there is need for time and thought. The change is for your life.”
    â€œI am wise, Father. Indeed I am more. I am fortunate. I see it as a signal chance. I should not attract so many. I see myself as I am. And Hereward sees me as I am too. I shall not have to edit myself. There is no idealisation, and that is the line of safety. I am not in doubt.”
    â€œI think it would be better if there was some,” said Emmeline. “I hope there will be for me.”
    â€œI daresay there will. I believe there might be now, if you had come to the age. I half-think I saw there would. If it was a few years later, I don’t know how things would be.”
    â€œThe years will pass,” said Alfred. “You must see the matter from all its sides.”
    â€œOh, I don’t believe in roundabout views, Father. I look straight at a question, and feel that is enough. Aunt Penelope, let me have a word from you. What do you feel about having Hereward for a nephew?”
    â€œFor myself what goes without saying. As regards you I feel with your father.”
    â€œAnd a fair degree of feeling too. Not too much and not so little. A kind that may last and grow, when another might fade away. I am not a person for any strong romance. And I would not disturb the brother and sister relation, that I have viewed from a distance as something beyond myself. Now I am to be near to it, I shall go gently and keep a light touch. I shall not rush in where angels fear to tread.”
    â€œI would rather have something myself than be careful of it for other people,” said Emmeline.
    â€œI daresay you would. It is the difference between us. There is a strong vein of veneration in me. I am a person who tends to look up. I have looked up to one brother and sister, and now shall look up to another. They will feel they are safe with me, and it is a trust I value in them. And they will value my own trust. I also feel I am safe. I could hear their talk