o do at these feasts; I have been at them for years, and know all
about them, and the Rector invariably expects me to keep the ball
going."

"What ball?"

"The ball of pleasure. Each hand must grasp it--everyone must be happy.
That is the Hector's aim and mine."

"I think it is your aim not only to-day, but every day."

"Yes, if I can manage it. I can't always."

"You could always make me very happy."

Beatrice turned her eyes and looked at him. Her look made him blush.

"You are mistaken when you say that," she responded, in a grave tone.
"You are not the sort of person to be made happy by a simple country
girl like me. The Northbury people only need small things, and many
times it is within my power to supply their desires. But you are
different. You would not be content with small things."

"Assuredly not from you."

Then he paused; and as she blushed this time, he hastened to add:

"You can help me not in a small, but in a big way, and if you grant me
this help, you will save my mother, and--yes--and Catherine."

"I love Catherine," said Beatrice.

"I know it--you would like to save her."

"Certainly; but I did not know she was in peril."

"Don't whisper it, but she is. You can put things straight for her. May
I talk to you? May I tell you what I mean?"

"You look very solemn, and this is a day of pleasure. Must you talk to
me to-day?"

"I won't talk of anything to worry you today. But I may some time?"

"I suppose you may. At least it is difficult to reply in the negative to
any one who wants my help."

"That is all I need you to say. You will understand after I have spoken.
May I come to see you to-morrow?"

"Yes, you may come to-morrow. I shall be at home in the morning."

"Beatrice," said a voice, "Bee--Trixie--I do think it's unkind to cut an
old friend."

Beatrice turned.

Mrs. Bell, puffed and hot, accompanied by Matty, who was also a little
blown, and by the younger girls, looking very cross, had been chasing
Captain Bertram and Miss Meadowsweet from one lawn to another. Mrs.
Bell, after receiving a somewhat severe snubbing from Mrs. Gorman
Stanley, had just retired into the marquee to refresh herself with
strawberry ices, when Sophy, laying a hand on her mother's shoulder,
informed her in a loud whisper that Captain Bertram and Bee Meadowsweet
had gone down the steps of the terrace to the tennis lawn side by side.

"We'll make after them!" exclaimed the good lady. "Girls, don't