n be bought,"
muttered Miss Carr beneath her breath; while Norah whispered eager
questionings into her companion's ear.

"You might tell me, Rex--you might! I won't tell a soul. What did you
wish?"

"Don't be so curious. What does it matter to you?"

"It does matter. I want to know. You might! Do-oo!"

"No-o! I won't now. There's an end of it."

"Oh, Rex, look here--I've sixpence in my pocket. I'll buy you a packet
of gingerbread if you will."

"I don't want the gingerbread. What a girl you are! You give a fellow
no peace. I didn't wish anything particular, only--"

"Yes! Yes!"

"Only that she," with a nod of the head towards where Miss Carr sat
sipping her tea--"that she might choose Hilary to live with her in
London."

"Oh-oh! You wouldn't like it if it were Lettice?"

"Of course not, neither would you."

"But--but--it might be me!"

"It might. There's no saying. I'll have another cup of tea, if you
please," said Rex coolly.

Aggravating boy! It would be just as easy to draw water from a stone,
as to persuade him to say anything nice and soothing to one's vanity!

CHAPTER FIFTEEN.

MISS CARR'S CHOICE.

Wednesday was a day of great, though suppressed excitement, and when
evening came, and Miss Carr summoned the girls into the drawing-room, it
would be difficult to say which of the three felt the more acute
anxiety. Mr Rayner had considerately taken himself out of the way, but
Mr Bertrand was seated in an easy chair, his arms folded, his face
grave and set. Miss Carr pointed to the sofa, and the three girls sat
down, turning inquiring eyes on her face. It was horribly formal, and
even Norah felt cowed and spiritless.

"Girls," said Miss Carr slowly, "it was my intention to say nothing
about my plans until I had made my decision, but it seems that your
father has forestalled me and told you of my wishes. ... When you were
little children I saw a great deal of you. Your father was one of my
most valued friends, your dear mother also, and you were often at my
house. When you came here I felt a great blank in my life, for I am
fond of young people, and like to have them about me. Last January,
your father visited me, and told me of a conversation which he had had
with you here. He was anxious about your future, and it occurred to me
that in some slight degree I might be able to take the responsibility
off his hands. I have felt the need of a companion, and of some fresh