by would be coming to
Beulah Place, but she would be hundreds of miles away before that; she
was safe, quite safe; but if only she could see him before she went.
If she could only get rid of this tiresome Percy, who would stay,
perhaps, for hours. Could she give him the slip? She could never
remain in his company through a long evening; it would drive her
frantic to listen to him, and to know all the time that Raby was near,
and she could not see him. And then all at once a wild idea came to
her, and her pale cheeks flushed, and her eyes grew bright, and she
began to talk rather quickly and in an excited manner.

"Oh! do you know, Mr. Trafford," she said, gravely, "I think it is
very wrong of you to encourage Mr. Erle to come so often to Beulah
Place. Fern is pretty--very pretty, and Mr. Erle is fond of saying
pleasant things to her, and all the time he knows Mr. Huntingdon
wishes him to marry Miss Selby. He has no right to make himself so
agreeable to your sister; and I think you ought to keep him in better
order."

"Oh! I don't pretend to be Erle's mentor," he returned, a little
sulkily; for he thought he saw her drift to keep him from talking of
his own feelings. "I never interfere with other fellows."

"Yes, but Fern is your sister," in a reproachful voice; "and I do
think you are to blame in this. Why do you not tell him that he must
leave your sister alone, and keep to Miss Selby. Your grandfather
would be very angry if he knew of these visits to Beulah Place, and
then Mr. Erle would get into trouble."

"I can't help that," was the indifferent answer. "Erle must take his
chance with the rest of us; he knows as well as I do the risk he
runs." And in spite of her pre-occupation, Crystal noticed a curious
change in Percy's tone.

"Do you mean that he would get into serious trouble? is that what you
would imply? I do not think you are doing your duty, Mr. Trafford, if
you do not warn him of Mr. Huntingdon's displeasure. Mr. Erle is weak,
he is easily gulled, but he has good principles; you could soon induce
him to break off his visits."

"I don't see that I need trouble myself about another fellow's love
affair; I have too much on my own mind. Of course you look impatient,
Miss Davenport, it is a crime to speak of my own feelings; but how can
you expect me to take interest in another fellow when I am so utterly
miserable myself."

"Mr. Trafford," she said, trying to control her impatience, "I wish
you would