e a little time, a few hours to think of it?" she said
at last. "It will not be right to answer you now. Do my mother and
father know about this?"

"Yes," he returned eagerly, for her words filled him with hope; she had
not repulsed him, and her manner, though confused, was as gentle as
ever. "They quite approved. You see, I knew you so well that I would not
have ventured to speak to you without their sanction."

"You were right," she said softly; and then she looked at him in a
beseeching way that made Richard say:

"You would like me to leave you alone for a little, would you not?"

"If you please--that is, if you do not mind."

"I will go, then. But, Bessie, you will be here to-morrow morning?"

"Yes."

"I will be content with that promise, then," and Richard lifted his hat
and moved away, and Bessie went home.

Breakfast was ready when she arrived, and she took her place at once,
and made an effort to talk as usual. Once Edna made a remark about
Richard.

"I have promised to drive him over the downs," she said. "Bessie, Miss
Shelton wants to do some shopping; do you mind taking charge of her for
the morning?"

"Certainly not," replied Bessie, who would have given worlds to be
quiet; but she could not refuse Edna. She was afraid, however, that Miss
Shelton found her a stupid companion; every now and then her attention
wandered; she was conscious that a grave decision, one that would affect
her whole life, was hanging in the balance; she had promised Richard to
think about it, but no such thought seemed possible.

"I am tiring you out, my dear," observed Miss Shelton at last, "and it
must be nearly luncheon time. I dare say Edna has returned from her
drive."

Yes, Edna was standing in the window when they entered, but Richard was
not with her.

"Ritchie said he would lunch at his hotel," she observed; "and he is
going over to Lewes this afternoon, and may be late for dinner; and in
that case he will have a chop somewhere, as he does not want us to wait
for him."

"He will come in afterward, I suppose," replied Miss Shelton; but Bessie
said to herself that he would do no such thing. How thoughtful he was
for her comfort! He was staying away purposely, that his presence might
not confuse her; and Bessie felt grateful to him for the delicacy that
shielded and spared her.

The afternoon was not much better than the morning. Edna carried off
Miss Shelton to the Aquarium, and left Bessie to drive with he