“Let me reassure you,” said her father, gravely.  “You did mean kindly by Merwyn, and you gave him, without being unwomanly, the best chance he could possibly have to throw off the incubus that is burdening his life.  If, with the opportunity he had to-night, and under the influence of his love, he did not speak, his secret is one of which he cannot speak.  At least, I fear it is one of which he dares not speak to you, lest it should be fatal to him and all his hopes.  I cannot even guess what it is, but at all events it is of a serious nature, too grave to be regarded any longer as secondary in our estimate of Mr. Merwyn’s character.  The shadow of this mystery must not fall on you, and I am glad he is going away.  I hoped that your greater kindness and mine might lead him to reveal his trouble, that we could help him, and that a character in many respects so unique and strong might be cleared of its shadows.  In this case we might not only have rendered a fellow-being a great service, but also have secured a friend capable of adding much to our happiness.  This mystery, however, proves so deep-rooted and inscrutable that I shall be glad to withdraw you from his influence until time and circumstance make all plain, if they ever can.  These old families often have dark secrets, and this young man, in attaining his majority and property, has evidently become the possessor of one of them.  In spite of all his efforts to do well it is having a sinister influence over his life, and this influence must not extend to yours.  The mere fact that he does not take an active part in the war is very subordinate in itself.  Thousands who might do this as well as he are very well content to stay at home.  The true aspect of the affair is this:  A chain of circumstances, unforeseen, and uncaused by any premeditated effort on our part, has presented to his mind the most powerful motives to take a natural part in the conflict.  It has gradually become evident that the secret of his restraint is a mystery that affects his whole being.  Therefore, whether it be infirmity, fault, or misfortune, he has no right to impose it on others, since it seems to be beyond remedy.  Do you not agree with me?”

“I could not do otherwise, papa.  Yet, remembering how he looked to-night, I cannot help being sorry for him, even though my mind inclines to the belief that constitutional timidity restrains him.  I never saw a man tremble so, and he turned white to his very lips.  Papa, have you read ’The Fair Maid of Perth’?”

“Yes.”

“Don’t you remember MacIan, the young chief of Clan Quhele?  This character always made a deep impression on me, awakening at the same time pity and the strongest repulsion.  I could never understand him.  He was high-born, and lived at an age when courage was the commonest of traits, while its absence was worse than crime.  For the times he was endowed with every good quality except the power to face danger.  This from the very