But once touch on the name of Dunster and Mr.Wilkins sank into a kind of suspicious depression of spirits; talking little, and with evident caution; and from time to time shooting furtive glances at his interlocutor's face.

Ellinor was resolutely impervious to any attempts of his to bring his conversation with her back to the subject which more and more engrossed Ralph Corbet's mind.

She had done her duty, as she understood it; and had received assurances which she was only too glad to believe fondly with all the tender faith of her heart.

Whatever came to pass, Ralph's love would still be hers; nor was he unwarned of what might come to pass in some dread future day.

So she shut her eyes to what might be in store for her (and, after all, the chances were immeasurably in her favour); and she bent herself with her whole strength into enjoying the present.