"I asked if he had sent her a book, but he said he did not know where
she was, and the only person who did know was away, too. Then for a
long time he did not say anything; but after a while I slipped my hand
in his, and told him I knew she must care,--she couldn't help
it,--although I hadn't any idea why she had gone away without letting
him know where she was.

"He said if he were sure she did not care at all, he would give it up,
for that would be the only manly thing; but until he was sure, he must
hope. It was then I began to wonder if you knew where she was, Miss
Marion. If you do, couldn't you tell her how much he cares? I don't
see why she went away; but Cousin Frank said she had a reason,
although he didn't think it was a good one. Could you tell her, Miss
Marion?"

"Did you ever say anything to Mr. Landor about the shop or--" Marion
left the question unfinished.

"Yes, that very evening I told him I was certain my Miss Carpenter was
lovelier than his." Charlotte squeezed the hand she held. "He smiled,
and asked a great many questions. But could you tell her?" Charlotte
was nothing if not persistent.

This Miss Carpenter, of whom she had grown so fond, was a quiet
person, not given to demonstration of any sort, but Charlotte suddenly
felt herself drawn into a close embrace, while a very gentle voice
said in her ear: "Charlotte, you may tell him I _know_ she cares. I
think she was right to go away--she had a reason, but--"

"What is going on here?" broke in Norah's gay tones. "Why, Charlotte,
how are you? You two look as if you had been in mischief."

A moment later who should walk in but Mrs. Leigh, looking like an old
ivory portrait, her apple-blossom face framed in silver puffs and
white frills. "Are you at home, and ready to show your pretty things?
Upon my word, I am glad to see the shop open again. We have missed
you."

"Thank you, dear Mrs. Leigh; we are glad to be back again," said
Norah, greeting her cordially, while Marion pushed forward a chair
and Charlotte brought a cushion.

Mrs. Leigh adored to be waited upon; she beamed graciously on the
three. "Thank you, my dears. This is a charming place, and I must say
I didn't expect to see you here again."

"Why not? We had no idea of not coming back," Marion said.

"Oh, I have never believed it would last," Mrs. Leigh's bright eyes
twinkled. "You are too--well, there is a mystery about you, you know."

"I didn't know. How interesting!" excla