“No,” said Agatha, innocently, not paying much attention, except to the lovely view.
“Not heard? That is strange. But you, Nathanael”--
“I know all,” he said hastily. “It is a sad history--too sad to be talked of here. Another time”--
His eye met hers--and both turned upon Agatha, who sat a little apart, enjoying the novel scene, and rejoicing above all that the sea--vague object of nameless terror--could ever appear so beautiful.
“Hush, Anne!” Nathanael whispered, so imploringly--nay, commandingly, that Anne was startled.
“What were you saying?” asked Agatha, turning at last.
“I was saying,” Miss Valery replied hastily--“I was saying how like Nathanael looked just then to his Uncle Brian.”
“Did he indeed? Was that all you were speaking of?”
“Not quite all; but I find your husband knows the story; he will tell you, _as he ought_,” added Anne pointedly.
“Surely I will, one day,” said Nathanael. “But in this case, as in many others, where there has been misfortune or wrong, I consider the best, wisest, most charitable course is not to spread it abroad until the wrong has had a chance of being remedied. Do you not think so, Anne?”
“Yes,” she answered, her eyes fixed upon the resolute young face that seemed compelling her to silence almost against her will. It was marvellous to see the influence Nathanael had, even over Anne Valery.
“And now,” continued Mr. Harper, “while I am alone with you and my wife”--here he drew Agatha within the circle of talk, and made her lean against his knee, his arm shielding her from the wind--“I wanted to talk with you, Anne, about some plans I have.”
“I have given up--as Agatha wrote you word--all idea of our settling at Montreal. It is necessary that I should at once find some employment in England.”
“I must, dear. It is right--it is necessary. Anne herself would say so.”
Miss Valery assented, much to Agatha's surprise.
“The only question then is--what can I do? Nothing in the professions--for I have acquired none; nothing in literature--for I am not a genius; but anything in the clear, straightforward, man-of-business line--Uncle Brian used to accuse me of being so very practical.--Anne,” he added, smiling, “I wish, instead of having to puff off myself thus, Uncle Brian were here to advertise my qualifications.”