ate
deserves to see.

In a word, directly he entered the room, Pen went up to Laura of the
pale face, who had not time even to say, What, back so soon? and seizing
her outstretched and trembling hand just as she was rising from her
chair, fell down on his knees before her, and said quickly, "I have seen
her. She has engaged herself to Harry Foker--and--and Now, Laura?"

The hand gives a pressure--the eyes beam a reply--the quivering lips
answer, though speechless. Pen's head sinks down in the girl's lap, as
he sobs out, "Come and bless us, dear mother," and arms as tender as
Helen's once more enfold him.

In this juncture it is that Lady Rockminster comes in and says, "Upon my
word, young people! Beck! leave the room. What do you want poking your
nose in here?"

Pen starts up with looks of triumph, still holding Laura's hand. "She is
consoling me for my misfortune, ma'am," he says.

"What do you mean by kissing her hand? I don't know what you will be
next doing."

Pen kissed her Ladyship's. "I have been to Tunbridge," he says, "and
seen Miss Amory; and find on my arrival that--that a villain has
transplanted me in her affections," he says with a tragedy air.

"Is that all? Is that what you were whimpering on your knees about?"
says the old lady, growing angry. "You might have kept the news till
to-morrow."

"Yes--another has superseded me," goes on Pen; "but why call him
villain? He is brave, he is constant, he is young, he is wealthy, he is
beautiful."

"What stuff are you talking, sir?" cried the old lady. "What has
happened?"

"Miss Amory has jilted me, and accepted Henry Foker, Esq. I found
her warbling ditties to him as he lay at her feet; presents had been
accepted, vows exchanged, these ten days. Harry was old Mrs. Planter's
rheumatism, which kept dearest Laura out of the house. He is the most
constant and generous of men. He has promised the living of Logwood to
Lady Ann's husband, and given her a splendid present on her marriage;
and he rushed to fling himself at Blanche's feet the instant he found he
was free."

"And so, as you can't get Blanche, you put up with Laura; is that it,
sir?" asked the old lady.

"He acted nobly," Laura said.

"I acted as she bade me," said Pen. "Never mind how, Lady Rockminster;
but to the best of my knowledge and power. And if you mean that I am
not worthy of Laura, I know it, and pray Heaven to better me; and if the
love and company of the best and purest creat