Not for an instant did Mrs.Markland seek to deceive herself or hearken to the suggestion that it was but a passing state in the partner of her life.

She knew too well the origin of his disquietude to hope for its removal.

In a little while, she descended and joined her family in the sitting-room, where the soft astral diffused its pleasant light, and greeted her sober-minded husband with loving smiles and cheerful words.

And he was deceived.

Not for an instant imagined he, after looking upon her face, that she had passed through a painful, though brief conflict, and was now possessed of a brave heart for any change that might come.