et, how
sensibly and how tenderly her mother had dealt with them.

She had never been blind to one of her children's faults, and up to a
certain age it had been her habit on the eve of their birthdays, to talk
quietly to them, pointing out their failings and defective habits, and
giving her opinion on the year's improvement. "On a birthday one ought
to begin afresh," she would say, "and make a new start." How well Bessie
could remember these talks, and the gentle words of praise that
generally closed them. She was almost sorry when she was too grown up
for them, and quiet self-examinations took the place of those fond
maternal admonitions.

When Bessie joined the family at breakfast she found Mr. Sinclair
helping Edna with the urn. He accosted Bessie with much friendliness,
and seemed pleased to see her again. She had been prepossessed with him
at their first meeting, and she thought his manner still pleasanter on
this second occasion, and she was struck afresh with his air of quiet
refinement. He took part in the conversation with much animation, and
talked more to Richard than to any one else.

Edna did not appear to have recovered herself; she took very little
notice of anybody, and received her _fiance's_ attention rather
ungraciously. Bessie thought she looked as though she had not slept
well; her eyes had a heavy look in them, as though her head ached.
Bessie had her ride directly afterward, and as Richard assisted her to
mount, Mr. Sinclair stood on the steps and watched them.

"What are you and Edna going to do with yourselves?" asked Richard
presently.

Mr. Sinclair smiled.

"I shall do whatever Edna likes; perhaps she will drive me somewhere;
she looks as though the fresh air would do her good. I shall have to go
back to town this evening, so I must make the most of my day in the
country."

The house was so still when they returned that Bessie thought they had
started for the drive, when she ran upstairs to take off her habit. She
seated herself presently by one of the drawing-room windows with her
work, wondering what everyone was doing.

Her work interested her, and she was quietly enjoying herself when she
heard quick footsteps in the hall outside, and a moment afterward a door
slammed.

"They have come back, I suppose," thought Bessie; and she worked on,
until the drawing-room door opened and Mr. Sinclair came in alone. He
seemed surprised to see Bessie, but the next minute he had crossed the