It seemed a revelation to him, this sudden perception of a real world underlying the apparent one; and for nearly half-an-hour he sauntered to and fro in a reverie, leaning sometimes against the old stone fountain, and sometimes watching the pale clouds as they began flitting together as though to keep a rendezvous in space, until they concealed the face of the moon entirely from view and left the garden dark.
* * * * * Whether Austin had strange dreams that night or no, certain it is that when he came down to breakfast in the morning his face was set and there was a look of unusual preoccupation in his eyes.

Aunt Charlotte, being considerably preoccupied with her own affairs, noticed nothing, and busied herself with the teapot as was her wont.

Austin chipped his egg in silence, while his auntie, helping herself generously to fried bacon, made some remark about the desirability of laying a good foundation in view of her journey up to town.

Thereupon Austin said: "Is it absolutely necessary for you to go to town this morning, auntie ?" "Of course it is," replied Aunt Charlotte, munching heartily.

"I told you so last night." "Why can't you go to-morrow instead ?" asked Austin, tentatively.
"Would it be too late ?" "I've arranged to go _to-day_," said Aunt Charlotte, with decision.
"The sooner this business is settled the better.