or Blanche, and Clemmy
reluctantly followed her out of the shop.

Kenelm lingered behind and selected very hastily a few trifles, to be
sent to him that evening with some specimens of basket-work left to
Will's tasteful discretion; then purchased the locket on which Clemmy
had set her heart; but all the while his thoughts were fixed on the ring
which Lily had tried on. It was no sin against etiquette to give the
locket to a child like Clemmy, but would it not be a cruel impertinence
to offer a gift to Lily?

Jessie spoke: "Miss Mordaunt took a great fancy to this ring, Mr.
Chillingly. I am sure her aunt would like her to have it. I have a great
mind to put it by on the chance of Mrs. Cameron's calling here. It would
be a pity if it were bought by some one else."

"I think," said Kenelm, "that I will take the liberty of showing it to
Mrs. Cameron. No doubt she will buy it for her niece. Add the price
of it to my bill." He seized the ring and carried it off; a very poor
little simple ring, with a single stone shaped as a heart, not half the
price of the locket.

Kenelm rejoined the young ladies just where the path split into two, the
one leading direct to Grasmere, the other through the churchyard to
the vicarage. He presented the locket to Clemmy with brief kindly words
which easily removed any scruple she might have had in accepting it;
and, delighted with her acquisition, she bounded off to the vicarage,
impatient to show the prize to her mamma and sisters, and more
especially to Miss Mary Burrows, who was coming to lunch with them.

Kenelm walked on slowly by Lily's side.

"You have a good heart, Mr. Chillingly," said she, somewhat abruptly.
"How it must please you to give such pleasure! Dear little Clemmy!"

This artless praise, and the perfect absence of envy or thought of self
evinced by her joy that her friend's wish was gratified, though her own
was not, enchanted Kenelm.

"If it pleases to give pleasure," said he, "it is your turn to be
pleased now; you can confer such pleasure upon me."

"How?" she asked, falteringly, and with quick change of colour.

"By conceding to me the same right your little friend has allowed."

And he drew forth the ring.

Lily reared her head with a first impulse of haughtiness. But when
her eyes met his the head drooped down again, and a slight shiver ran
through her frame.

"Miss Mordaunt," resumed Kenelm, mastering his passionate longing to
fall at her feet and say,