e in Bessie's hands. It was fitted up very
tastefully, and was really a most useful present; and then she proceeded
to select work-bags and pretty knick-knacks for the Lambert girls.

Bessie remonstrated in vain. Mrs. Sefton had come there to spend money,
and she lavished one article after another on Bessie.

"This soft white shawl will just suit your mother," she said. "And, oh!
here is a pocketbook for Dr. Lambert. Your father will find that useful.
Does your brother smoke? No? Well, we will buy that letter-case for him;
and now I think we have finished."

But it was quite half an hour afterward before the truants returned.

"Here they come!" exclaimed Bessie, as Mrs. Sefton began to get
restless.

"Oh, mamma, dear, I hope we have not kept you," said Edna penitently;
but she blushed very prettily as she spoke, and there was no mistaking
the happy look in her eyes.

"You must blame me, Mrs. Sefton," interrupted Mr. Sinclair, who also
looked radiant. "There was such a crowd that I took Edna into the
gardens, and we have been sitting quietly under the trees. I hope we
have not really inconvenienced you and Miss Lambert."

"Not a bit," replied Mrs. Sefton cheerfully. "But we may as well go home
now, as Bessie and I have made all our purchases. Will you see if the
carriage be there, Neville?"

"Neville is coming back with us, mamma," observed Edna, in her old
bright manner; and then Mrs. Sefton looked at her meaningly. Just then
the band struck up with a military march, and Bessie lost Edna's low
answer. There was nothing particular said during the drive home. Mr.
Sinclair observed he must go to his hotel to dress, and Edna questioned
Bessie about her purchases.

When they reached Glenyan Mansions, Edna shut herself up with her
mother, and Bessie went off to her own room and inspected her treasures,
and then she dressed herself and sat down to read. Bye and bye there
was a knock at the door, and Edna came in; she looked perfectly lovely
with that soft look of happiness on her face.

"May I come in, Bessie? Mamma is talking to Neville in the drawing-room,
and I can spare you a few minutes. Neville has told me everything. He
says it is you who smoothed the way for our meeting and reconciliation.
Bessie, darling, how am I to thank you?" and Edna wrapped her arms round
her and kissed her fondly.

"It is all right, then?"

"It was all right the moment I saw him; he just looked at me, and said,
'I wonder if you ar