l, she
added: "It's quite wasted; I never wear it myself." And, seeing Nedda's
smile, for the girl recollected perfectly having admired it during dinner
at Uncle John's, and at Becket itself, she said decisively, "So that's
that!" and settled her down on the sofa. But just as she was thinking,
'I have the very thing for the dear child's sunburn,' Nedda said:
"Granny, dear, I've been meaning to tell you--Derek and I are engaged."

For the moment Frances Freeland could do nothing but tremulously
interlace her fingers.

"Oh, but, darling," she said very gravely, "have you thought?"

"I think of nothing else, Granny."

"But has he thought?"

Nedda nodded.

Frances Freeland sat staring straight before her. Nedda and Derek, Derek
and Nedda! The news was almost unintelligible; those two were still for
her barely more than little creatures to be tucked up at night. Engaged!
Marriage! Between those who were both as near to her, almost, as her own
children had been! The effort was for the moment quite too much for her,
and a sort of pain disturbed her heart. Then the crowning principle of
her existence came a little to her aid. No use in making a fuss; must
put the best face on it, whether it were going to come to anything or
not! And she said:

"Well, darling, I don't know, I'm sure. I dare say it's very lovely for
you. But do you think you've seen enough of him?"

Nedda gave her a swift look, then dropped her lashes, so that her eyes
seemed closed. Snuggling up, she said:

"No, Granny, I do wish I could see more; if only I could go and stay with
them a little!"

And as she planted that dart of suggestion, the gong sounded.

In Frances Freeland, lying awake till two, as was her habit, the
suggestion grew. To this growth not only her custom of putting the best
face on things, but her incurable desire to make others happy, and an
instinctive sympathy with love-affairs, all contributed; moreover, Felix
had said something about Derek's having been concerned in something rash.
If darling Nedda were there it would occupy his mind and help to make him
careful. Never dilatory in forming resolutions, she decided to take the
girl over with her on the morrow. Kirsteen had a dear little spare room,
and Nedda should take her bag. It would be a nice surprise for them all.
Accordingly, next morning, not wanting to give any trouble, she sent
Thomas down to the Red Lion, where they had a comfortable fly, with a
very