r world. If her father
would come, and Lawrence would go--if her father would come and be his
old self--but what large "ifs" these were. Dolly's eyes grew misty.
Then her mother woke up.

"What are you looking at, Dolly?"

"The wonderful sunset, mother. Oh, it is so beautiful! Do come here and
see the colours on the sails of the boats."

"When do you think your father will be here?"

"Oh, soon, I hope. He ought to be here soon."

"Did you tell him I would want money to buy things? I must not lose
that sideboard."

"There was no need to write about that. He can always get money, if he
chooses, as well here as in London. If he has it, that is; but you
know, mother"----

"I know," Mrs. Copley interrupted, "that is all nonsense. He _has_ it.
He always did have it. He has been spending it in other ways lately;
that's what it is. Getting his own pleasure. Now it is my turn."

"You shall have it, dear mother, if I can manage it. You are nicely
to-day, aren't you? Venice agrees with you. I'm so glad!"

"I think everything would go right, Dolly, if you would just tell Mr.
St. Leger that you will have him. I don't like such humming and hawing
about anything. He really has waited long enough. If you would tell him
that, now, or tell _me_, then he would lend me the money I want to get
those things. I am afraid of losing them. Dolly, when you know you are
going to say yes, why not say it? I believe I should get well then,
right off. _You_ would be safe too, any way."

Dolly sighed imperceptibly, and made no answer.

"You don't half appreciate Mr. St. Leger. He's just a splendid young
man. I don't believe there's such another match for you in all England.
You should have seen how keen Mrs. Thayer was to know all about him.
Wouldn't she like him for her daughter, though! and she is handsome
enough, according to some taste. I wish, Dolly, you'd have everything
fixed and square before we meet the Thayers again; or you cannot tell
what may happen. He may slip through your fingers yet."

Dolly made as little answer as possible. And further, she contrived for
a few days to keep her mother from the curiosity shops. It could be
done only by staying persistently within doors; and Dolly shut herself
up to her painting, and made excuses. But she found this was telling
unfavourably on her mother's spirits, and so on her nerves and health;
and she began to go out again, though chafing at her dependence on
Lawrence, and longing for