LOUISA." He twisted the dainty sheet of paper round his fingers, while he slowly recalled the events of yesterday up to the point of his last decision, to see Lucia to-day and tell her how grievously he had been disappointed, and what she had been and still was to him.

But then came the natural consequence of this; he would still, afterwards, have to meet both Lucia and her mother constantly for some days, and to behave to them just as usual.

It had seemed to him already that to do so would be difficult; now he began to think it impossible.

What to do then?
To keep silence now and always, or to speak and then go away home, where he was needed?
He must lose her sweet company--sweet to him still.

He _must_ lose it, and what matter whether a few days sooner or later?
It was better to see her once again, and go.
He dressed hastily and went to the breakfast-room.