ld almost have been
torn limb from limb to have kept such knowledge from her aunt.

No, Ross's understanding did not extend itself to any of this.

But he sat in front of the wood fire with her, in the same big chair
with his arm around her, silently, as seemed to suit her mood; and
every now and then he patted her a little on the shoulder, as lovingly
as Elinor had patted her, to let her know that she was to feel sure of
his sympathy, even if she could not bring herself to confide in him,
and that he was still right there, and at her service, whenever she
should want him. Arethusa loved to have him with her; it was
delightful, just the two of them together so cozily; but every one of
his soft fatherly pats brought her near to tears as she felt it, for
she knew herself so very unworthy to receive it.

George appeared in the library about half-past three, bearing under one
arm an enormous flower box and in the other hand a card-tray with one
small white slip of cardboard upon it.

"Mr. Bennet to see Miss Arethusa," he announced.

Arethusa sprang up, almost overturning Ross.

"Who did you say, George?"

"Mr. Bennet." He extended the card-tray, and then the flower box.

"I _won't_ see Mr. Bennet!" exclaimed Arethusa, all over pride at
once, and drawing herself up.

"Very well, Miss Arethusa."

George turned to go, but Ross stopped him.

"Wait just a moment, George. Are you quite sure, daughter, that you
hadn't better see him?"

Arethusa's eyes flashed.

"_I won't see him_, Father! I ... I...." she fairly choked over the
words, her utterance was so intense, "_I hate him_! I never want to
see him again as long as I live!"

George looked inquiringly at Mr. Worthington; this was no message for
him to be carrying to the gentleman in the reception room.

"Tell Mr. Bennet, George," said Ross, in answer to the look, for he
knew that the butler wished the conventions observed on every occasion,
and he was half smiling as he said it, "Tell Mr. Bennet that Miss
Arethusa wishes to be excused."

George bowed,--this was much better--and disappeared.

Arethusa waited, standing poised with a queer little expression of
strained attention, until she heard the front door close; then she
sighed, a soft sigh unmistakably of relief.

Mr. Bennet turned away from the Worthington House uncertainly. He was
half of a mind to go right straight back and try to see Arethusa once
more. He was very sorry about last night. He was re