d wise enough to
know her own mind, and to decide for herself; and, taken without the
help of his position and his great wealth, Mr Green was certainly not a
very interesting person; and probably Graeme had done well to refuse
him. He pondered a long time on this question, and on others; but when
he went up-stairs, Fanny was waiting for him, wide awake and eager.

"Well, what did Graeme say? Has she gone to bed?"

Arthur was rather taken aback. He was by no means sure that it would be
a wise thing to discuss his sister's affairs with his wife. Fanny would
never be able to keep his news to herself.

"You ought to be in bed," said he.

"Yes, I know I ought. But is she not a wretch?"

"Graeme, a wretch!"

"Nonsense, Arthur! I mean Mrs Tilman. You know very well."

"Mrs Tilman! What has she to do with it?"

"What! did not Graeme tell you?"

And then the whole story burst forth--all, and a good deal more than has
been told, for Fanny and Rose had been discussing the matter in private
with Sarah, and she had relieved her mind of all that had been kept
quiet so long.

"The wretch!" said Arthur. "She might have burned us in our beds."

"Just what I said," exclaimed Fanny, triumphantly. "But then, Sarah was
there to watch her, and Graeme knew about it and watched too. It was
very good of her, I think."

"But why, in the name of common sense, did they think it necessary to
wait and watch, as you call it? Why was she not sent about her
business? Why was not I told?"

"Sarah told us, it was because Miss Elliott would not have Mrs Snow's
visit spoiled; and _Rose_ says she wanted everything to go smoothly, so
that she should think I was wise and discreet, and a good housekeeper.
I am very much afraid I am not."

Arthur laughed, and kissed her.

"Live and learn," said he.

"Yes, and I shall too, I am determined. But, Arthur, was it not very
nice of Graeme to say nothing, but make the best of it? Especially when
mamma had got Nelly away and all."

"It was very nice of her," said Arthur.

"And mamma was very angry to-day, and Graeme said--no, it was mamma who
said she would let me manage my own affairs after this, and Graeme said
that would be much the best way."

"I quite agree," said her husband, laughing.

"But, Arthur, I am afraid if it had not been for Graeme, things would
have gone terribly wrong all this time. I am afraid, dear, I _am_
rather foolish."

"I am sure Graeme does not say so