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"Going away!" echoed Edith, growing pale as she spoke.

"But we positively won't allow it, until after to-morrow, at least—shall we, sister? Coax him like a good girl, while I have a race with Carlo—he's pulling the dress off my back. You're such a good hand to persuade people, you know. I remember, when De Lisle used to be leaving, how you would coax him to stay. Come, Carlo!"

Again Edith started at the abrupt mention of that name, and the subdued light that had filled Fred's eye as he watched her changing face, gave place to a look of cold determination. Gus urged him pressingly to remain, and Edith's eyes were raised pleadingly to his face as she faltered out a similar request. But their entreaties were in vain. Fred declined politely but firmly, and entered the house to announce his determination to Major Percival and his wife. Here, as he expected, he was again overwhelmed with entreaties to remain; but having resisted those of Edith, he found little difficulty in remaining firm in his determination.