When therefore he became a Civil Service Commissioner, and was thus removed from business intercourse with Norman, he conceived that it would be wise to arrange a reconciliation.

He discussed the matter with Gertrude, and she, fully agreeing with him, undertook the task of making the proposal through her mother.

This she did with all the kindness and delicacy of a woman.

She desired her mother to tell Harry how much she had valued his friendship, how greatly she regretted the loss of it, how anxious her husband was to renew, if possible, their former terms of affection.

Mrs.Woodward, by no means sanguine, undertook the commission.