e murmur, which might signify
acquiescence or the reverse.

Lady Latimer said, "Young ladies, I think it is time you were going up
stairs." And with dutiful alacrity the young ladies went.

"Never mind," whispered Dora to Bessie with a kiss as they separated.
"If you take any notice of Aunt Olympia's tempers, you will not have a
moment's peace: I never do. All will be right again in the morning."
Bessie had her doubts of that, but she tried to feel hopeful; and she
was not without her consolation, whether or no.

CHAPTER XL.

_ANOTHER RIDE WITH THE DOCTOR._

Half-past nine was the breakfast-hour at Fairfield, and Bessie Fairfax
said she would prepare for her ride before going down.

"Will you breakfast in your riding-habit, miss?--her ladyship is very
particular," said Mrs. Betts in a tone implying that her ladyship might
consider it a liberty. Bessie said Yes, she must not keep Mr. Carnegie
waiting when he came.

So she went down stairs in her habit and a crimson neck-tie, with her
hair compactly rolled up, and looking exceedingly well. Lady Latimer
justified Dora's predictions: she kissed Bessie as if she had never been
affronted. Bessie accepted the caress, and was thankful. It was no part
of her pleasure to vex my lady.

They had not left the breakfast-table when the servant announced that
Mr. Carnegie had arrived. "We will go out and see you mount," said Lady
Latimer, and left her unfinished meal, Mr. Cecil Burleigh attending her.
Dora would have gone too, but as Mr. Logger made no sign of moving, my
lady intimated that she must remain. Lady Latimer had inquiries to make
of the doctor respecting several sick poor persons, her pensioners, and
while they are talking Mr. Cecil Burleigh gave Bessie a hand up into her
saddle, and remarked that Miss Hoyden was in high condition and very
fresh.

"Oh, I can hold her. She has a good mouth and perfect temper; she never
ran away from me but once," said Bessie, caressing her old favorite with
voice and hand.

"And what happened on that occasion?" said Mr. Cecil Burleigh.

"She had her fling, and nothing happened. It was along the road that
skirts the Brook pastures, and at the sharp turn Mr. Harry Musgrave saw
her coming--head down, the bit in her teeth--and threw open the gate,
and we dashed into the clover. As I did not lose my nerve or tumble off,
I am never afraid now. I love a good gallop."

Mr. Cecil Burleigh asked no more questions. If it be true