tly, "for speaking too soon. I
believe I know why you feel as you do, and I shall go away hoping that
in time you will come to know my mother better. And since you have said
that you can't say 'no,' I shall anticipate that some time it will be
'yes.' Now we will go and gather lilies."

Then as he led her to the boat once more his arm stole around her waist,
and this time she did not try to escape its pressure.

When two days afterward the brother and sister were ready to depart,
Blanch put one arm caressingly around Alice and whispered, "Now
remember, you have promised to make me a visit next winter, and you must
keep your promise."

And poor Romeo, standing by, had to look the love that was in his heart
while he envied his sister her parting kiss.

CHAPTER XXIX

A FRIEND AT COURT

When Frank and his sister were away from Sandgate she said, "Well, my
dear Ben Bolt, did you capture your sweet Alice that afternoon I told so
many fibs to help you? I know you must have made an effort, for she
showed it plainly."

"No, I did not," he answered frankly, "but I made a break, and as she
didn't take it amiss, I feel hopeful. The fact is, sis," he continued
ruefully, "she is the most proud-spirited girl I ever met, and mother is
the ogre that stands in the way. If mother approves of Alice I am all
right, but if she doesn't receive her with open arms, it's all day with
me."

"I could have told you that the day after we arrived there," answered
Blanch, "and I am not surprised. Now"--with a laugh--"you must court
mamma for a few months, as well as your pretty Alice. It will do you
good, for you never have been over-dutiful."

Frank frowned. "Oh, bother these finicky mothers!" he exclaimed. "Why
will they turn up their noses at every poor girl? If Alice had rich
parents she would be all right, no matter if she were as homely as a
hedge fence."

"Maybe that's so," answered Blanch, "but you can't change mamma, and if
you want to win your Alice you must do as I tell you and court mamma.
Now I will tell you what to do, and if you're good to me I'll help you
do it. In the first place you must stay at Bethlehem until we go home,
and do all you can to please your mother. Take her driving, ask her to
play whist with you, and when she makes a good play, praise it; carry
her wraps for her; be solicitous about her welfare and comfort in all
things, and treat her just as if she were Alice instead of mamma. It
won't be as ple