all, curatocult is a shallow motive--Rachel Curtis might triumph!"

"The higher style of clergyman does not govern by curatocult. I hope
this one may be of that description, as he comes through Mr. Clare.
I wonder if this poor man will return?"

"Perhaps," said Ermine, with a shade of mimicry in her voice, "when
Lady Temple is married to the Colonel. There now, I have gone and
told you! I did try to resolve I would not."

"And what did you say?"

"I thought it due to Lady Temple to tell him exactly how she regarded
you."

"Yes, Ermine, and it is due to tell others also. I cannot go on on
these terms, either here or at Myrtlewood, unless the true state of
the case is known. If you will not let me be a married man, I must
be an engaged one, either to you or to the little Banksia."

This periphrasis was needful, because Rose was curled up in a corner
with a book, and her accessibility to outward impressions was
dubious. It might be partly for that reason, partly from the tone of
fixed resolve in his voice, that Ermine made answer, "As you please."

It was calmly said, with the sweet, grave, confiding smile that told
how she trusted to his judgment, and accepted his will. The look and
tone brought his hand at once to press hers in eager gratitude, but
still she would not pursue this branch of the subject; she looked up
to him and said gently, but firmly, "Yes, it may be better that the