The Pagan's Cup. Hume Fergus

of a fighting stock, Sybil, as I feel so inclined to be a soldier."

      "The Haverleighs were always simple country squires, Leo. I have heard my father speak of them often. There were no soldiers amongst them!"

      "Then I don't know where my aunt got her fierceness. By the way, Sybil, don't you get mixed by the many different ways I refer to that lady; I call her my mother, my aunt, and very often Mrs Gabriel."

      "I think the last name suits her best," said Sybil, "she is such a hard woman. Still, she has been kind to you, Leo."

      "I don't quite agree with you there," he answered a trifle bitterly. "If she took me in, she has made me feel my position. No, Sybil, I hope in some way to make a position for myself. Then Mrs Gabriel may be proud of me. At present I am only an object of her charity. Let me go for a soldier, my darling."

      "You must wait for a time, Leo," entreated Sybil. "If you are really bent upon enlisting, I shall not try and dissuade you. But, oh! how unhappy I shall be when you are in South Africa!"

      "Come, come, you will never do for a soldier's wife. Is it not better for me to be fighting for my country than staying here eating the bread of idleness? I am sure you would be prouder of me dead on the battlefield than to see me a hanger-on here."

      "Yes," said Sybil bravely, "I should."

      "In that case I shall enlist." And after taking her in his arms, he kissed her tenderly. "I shall be here for another week. Let us make the best of our time."

      Hand in hand they passed from the chapel, but at the door they suddenly separated. Mrs Gabriel was coming up the steps, and cast a cold smile at the pair. "I want to see you, Leo, when you can spare the time," she said.

      "I will come with you now," said Haverleigh. "And you, Sybil?"

      "I want to find Pearl Darry," said Miss Tempest; "she is offended with me, and I must make my peace with her. Good-day, Mrs Gabriel!"