THE END OF THE DREAM Gilbert did not go to work next morning.

Though Lydia had disguised her sister's strange condition as well as she could, he knew that something was being kept from him, and his mind, ever ready to doubt the reality of the happiness that had been granted him, was at length so beset with fears that he could no longer pay attention to the day's business.

He rose at the usual time, but with a word at his mother's door made known his intention not to go out till after breakfast.

Having lit a fire in the parlour, he sat down and tried to read.
He had purposed working till Saturday.

To-night and to-morrow night (Thursday and Friday) Thyrza and he were to go and purchase such articles of furniture and the like as would be needed for the new house (the list was long since carefully made out, and the places of purchase decided upon), and these would be taken in by Mrs.Butterfield.