r did."

"But surely he boards somewhere, don't he? He don't live
entirely by himself in that room?"

"That's what he always used," said Mrs. Nettley; "he _does_ take
his dinners somewhere now, I believe. But nothing else. He
makes his own tea and breakfast, -- that is! -- for he don't
drink anything. If it was any one else, one would be apt to
say one would grow unsociable, living in such a way; but it
don't make any change in him, no more than in the sun, what
sort of a place he lives in."

Elizabeth stood for a minute very still; and then said gently,

"Mrs. Nettley, I mustn't let you stay here with me."

"Why not, Miss Haye? -- I am sure they don't want me. I can
just as well stay as not. I am very glad to stay."

"You are wanted more there than here. I must learn to get
along alone. -- It don't matter how soon I begin."

"Dear Miss Haye, not yet. Never mind now -- we'll talk about it
by and by," said Mrs. Nettley hurriedly and somewhat
anxiously. She was a little afraid of Elizabeth.

"How could you get home from this place?"

"O by and by -- there'll be ways -- when the time comes."

"The time must come, Mrs. Nettley. You are very good -- I'm
very much obliged to you for coming and staying with me, -- but
in conscience I cannot let you stay any longer. It don't make
any difference, a little sooner or later."

"Later is better, Miss Elizabeth."

"No -- I shall feel more comfortable to think you are at home,
than to think I am keeping you here. I would rather you should
make your arrangements and choose what day you will go; and I
will find some way for you to go."

"I am very sorry, Miss Elizabeth," said Mrs. Nettley most
unaffectedly. "I am sure Mr. Landholm would a great deal
rather I should stay."

It was the last word Elizabeth could stand. Her lip trembled,
as she crossed the passage to her own room and bolted the
door; and then she threw herself on her knees by the bedside
and hid the quivering face in her hands.

Why should it, that kind care of his, pierce her like thorns
and arrows? why give her that when he could give her no more?
"But it will all be over," she thought to herself, -- "this
struggle like all other struggles will come to an end;
meanwhile I have it to bear and my work to do. Perhaps I shall
get over this feeling in time -- time wears out so much. -- But
I should despise myself if I did. No, when I have taken up a
liking on so good and solid grounds, I hope I am of good