that I have not been sufficiently watchful, or you would I not have
suspected it. And he would be justly angry if he knew."

"Well, under the circumstances it would make no difference to you if he
was."

Isabel bit her lip and was silent, then said, "Emily, dear Emily,
promise me that you will try to forget this conversation, and never
mention it to any one."

"But Isabel when was it."

"I will answer no questions on that subject" more than enough has been
said already.

"What a rage Grace would be in, if she knew, well, well, I have my own
ideas."

"Have you indeed, and pray what would Grace be in a rage about if she
knew," asked a well known voice close to them.

Both young ladies started and crimsoned. "You see Emmy I could not
resist that letter, so here I am for a few days."

"Isabel was right" cried Emily triumphantly, "she said you would come
quietly in, one of these days."

"What made you think so," he asked.

"I felt sure of it, I cannot tell why, but I had a presentiment that you
would."

"May I hope that the wish was the origin of the thought," he said in a
low tone, as Emily turned to caress his dog, Hector.

"Certainly" she answered laughing. "I would not have Emily disappointed
on any account."

"Such a true prophet ought to be rewarded, don't you think so Emily,"
said Everard presenting Isabel with the first and only flower of a rare
foreign plant.

"I cannot accept it," replied Isabel, "the reward is more than the
prediction was worth."

"Oh no, it is not, I am sure you earned it," cried Emily clapping her
hands, and running off with Hector for a romp.

"Surely you will not refuse a flower" said Everard.

"But why that flower."

"Because it is the best."

"For that very reason, I cannot accept it."

"You are over scrupulous Miss Leicester."

"No, only prudent."

He looked hurt, "you will not refuse" he urged.

"I dare not accept it."

"Why."

"What would they think."

"If the truth,----, that the flower I valued most, I gave to the one I
loved best."

"Are you not venturing on forbidden grounds" asked Isabel with glowing
cheeks.

"Isabel you are cruel."

"I do not wish to pain you."

"Then accept my flower."

"No, were I to do so, I could only take it to your mother saying that
you wished it preserved."

"Would you do so Isabel," he exclaimed reproachfully.

"I should be obliged to do so, if I took it."

"Is it only this one you refuse."

"Or any other