They know what the tyranny of the countryside means." "Yes, yes," said Felix, "but youth is youth." "They are not too young to know and feel the truth." Felix was impressed.

How those narrowing eyes shone! What conviction in that faintly lisping voice! 'I am a fool for my pains,' he thought, and only said: "Well, what about this invitation, anyway ?" "Yes; it will be just the thing for them at the moment." The words had to Felix a somewhat sinister import.

He knew well enough that she did not mean by them what others would have meant.

But he said: "When shall we expect them?
Tuesday, I suppose, would be best for Clara, after her weekend.

Is there no chance of you and Tod ?" She quaintly wrinkled her lips into not quite a smile, and answered: "Tod shall say.