't understand you."

"What I mean is, that, as you had declined his offer, you might
possibly, from inadvertence or any other cause, allude to it; whereas he
expressly wished that the subject should never be mentioned."

"You were apparently very much in his confidence?" said Tony, fixing his
eyes steadily on her.

"When I learn by what right you ask me that question, I 'll answer it,"
said she, just as defiantly.

Tony's face became crimson, and he could not utter a word. At last he
stammered out, "I have a friend here,--Mr. Darner: he is just come over
to pay a visit at Tilney, and Mrs. Maxwell sends him a note to say that
they are all ill there."

"Only Bella, and she is better."

"And was Bella ill?" asked Tony, eagerly.

"Yes, since Tuesday or Wednesday, and even up to Friday, very ill. There
was a time this could scarcely have happened without your coming to ask
after her."

"Is it my fault, Alice? First of all, I never knew it. You know well I
go nowhere. I do not mix with those who frequent grand houses. But tell
me of Bella."

"She was never alarmingly ill; but the doctor called it scarlatina, and
frightened every one away; and poor Mrs. Maxwell has not yet recovered
the shock of seeing her guests depart and her house deserted, for Bella
and myself are all that remain."

"May I present my friend to you?--he would take it as such a favor,"
asked Tony, timidly.

"I think not," said she, with an air of indolence.

"Do let me; he saw your picture--that picture of you and Bella at the
Exhibition--and he is wild to see yourself. Don't refuse me, Alice."

"If you think this a favor, I wonder you have courage to ask it. Come,
you need not look cross, Master Tony, particularly as all the fault is
on your own side. Come over to Tilney the day after to-morrow with your
friend."

"But I don't know Mrs. Maxwell."

"That does not signify in the least; do what I bid you. I am as much
mistress there as she is while I stay. Come early. I shall be quite
alone, for Mark goes to-morrow to town, and Bella will scarcely be well
enough to see you."

"And you'll not let me introduce him now?"

"No; I shall look more like my picture in a house dress; and
perhaps--though I 'll not promise--be in a better temper too. Good-bye."

"Won't you shake hands with me, Alice?"

"No; it's too cold to take my hand out of my muff. Remember, now,
Saturday morning, without fail."

"Alice!" said he, with a look at once devote