It had
been late when they returned from the water party the night before, and
Lettice had hurried off to bed. She had been a trifle more lingering
than usual in her good-night embrace, but Lettice was always
demonstrative in her ways, so that the fact had attracted no attention,
and the morning had been so full of engagements that there had been no
time for private conferences.

Miss Carr was speechless with grief, disappointment, and dismay. Her
anxious training for the last three years, her motherly oversight, her
hopes and prayers for the welfare of her beloved child, had they all
ended in this, that Lettice had been too selfish to discourage
admiration which she could not return?--too weak to say no to the first
man who approached with flattering words? Poor, foolish child! What
misery she had prepared for herself and everyone belonging to her!--for
of course it was all a mistake, her heart was not really touched; the
engagement could not be allowed. With a sigh of relief Miss Carr
reflected that the onus of responsibility was lifted off her shoulders
by the fact of Mr Bertrand's arrival in town that very afternoon, and
also that Lettice's engagements for the day would prevent a meeting
until she had been able to consult with her father. She drew a long
sigh, and her voice sounded both sad and tired as she replied--

"Ah, well! I am only Lettice's guardian in name, Mr Newcome; I have no
authority to refuse or to sanction her engagement. I have had a
telegram to say that Mr Bertrand is coming to town on business to-day,
so you will be able to see him to-morrow and hear what he has to say.
Lettice is very young--too young, in my opinion, to be able to know her
own mind. I wish there had been no such questions to disturb her for
the next two or three years. I don't know what Mr Bertrand will
think."

"I am in a good position. I can provide a name that will not be
unworthy of her. You know me and my family. We have been friends for
years. She would have the warmest welcome--"

"Yes, yes, I am sure of that. I will tell Mr Bertrand all you say, Mr
Newcome, and if you call to-morrow morning you will find him at home.
In the afternoon he will probably be engaged. I can say nothing, and--
Excuse me! I am not so young as I was, and I feel a good deal upset..."

Arthur Newcome rose at once, and held out his hand in farewell.

"Pray pardon me. I can understand your sentiments. It must be a shock
to