 want to feel the
humiliation, as one only can when another is witness of it. I wish to leave
myself no excuse for the future.«
    »I'm not sure that I quite understand you. You have made up your mind to
break with him?«
    »Because I am a coward.«
    »If my feeling in any matter were as strong as that, I should allow it to
guide me.«
    »Because your will is stronger. You, Sylvia, would never (in my position)
have granted him that second interview. You would have known that all was at an
end, and have acted upon the knowledge. I knew it, but yielded to temptation -
at his expense. I could not let him leave me, though that would have been
kindest. I held him by a promise, basely conscious that retreat was always open
to me. And now I shall have earned his contempt« -
    Her voice failed. Sylvia, affected by the outbreak of emotion in one whom
she had always known so strong in self-command, spoke with a deeper earnestness.
    »Dear, do you wish me to help you against what you call your cowardice? I
cannot take it upon me to encourage you until your own will has spoken. The
decision must come from yourself. Choose what course you may, I am still your
friend. I have no idle prejudices, and no social bonds. You know how I wish you
to come away with me; now I see only more clearly how needful it is for you to
breathe new air. Yes, you have outgrown these conditions, just as your brothers
have, just as Fanny will - indeed has. Take to-night to think of it. If you can
decide to travel with me for a year, be frank with Mr. Peak, and ask him to wait
so long - till you have made up your mind. He cannot reasonably find fault with
you, for he knows all you have to consider. Won't this be best?«
    Sidwell was long silent.
    »I will go with you,« she said at last, in a low voice. »I will ask him to
grant me perfect liberty for a year.«
    When she came down next morning it was Sidwell's intention to seek a private
interview with her father, and make known her resolve to go abroad with Sylvia;
but Mr. Warricombe anticipated her.
    »Will you come to the library after breakfast, Sidwell?« he said, on meeting
her in the hall.
    She interpreted his tone
