They came up to the screen, which was just at the end of the gallery, and stopped there as people will pause at the extremity of a walk before they turn to retrace their steps.

And it seemed as if my heart paused with them, for the speakers were Rachel Leonard and John Hollingford, and this was the conversation I heard: "I think you are very unkind, John," said Rachel; and she spoke sullenly, and as if she had been crying.

"I only ask you not to hurry me, to give me time, and you complain as if I had refused altogether." "I do not understand why you should want time," replied John; "if what you have told me is true, if what you have promised is in good faith, I do not see why you should delay making everything known." "Nor do I see why you should wish for haste," said Rachel.

"The announcement will be painful enough when it must be made.

Have you ever thought of what Margery will say ?" "Margery! God bless her!" said John earnestly, "Sweet, unselfish soul! It will be a shock, but she will get over it.