Mrs. Edmonstone. 'You have begged every one's
pardon, and it had better be forgotten as fast as possible. They have
made more fuss already than it is worth. Don't torment yourself about it
any more; for, if you have made a mistake, it is on the right side; and
on the first opportunity, I'll go and call on Mrs. Deane, and see if she
is very implacable.'

The dressing-bell rang, and Amy ran up-stairs, stopping at Laura's door,
to ask how she prospered in the drive she had been taking with Charles
and Eveleen.

Amy told her of Guy's trouble, and oh! awkward question, inquired if
she could guess what it could be that Philip imagined that Guy had been
offended at.

'Can't he guess?' said poor Laura, to gain time, and brushing her hair
over her face.

'No, he has no idea, though Philip protested that he knew, and would not
tell him. Philip must have been most tiresome.'

'What? Has Guy been complaining?'

'No, only angry with himself for being vexed. I can't think how Philip
can go on so!'

'Hush! hush, Amy, you know nothing about it. He has reasons--'

'I know,' said Amy, indignantly; 'but what right has he to go on
mistrusting? If people are to be judged by their deeds, no one is
so good as Guy, and it is too bad to reckon up against him all his
ancestors have done. It is wolf and lamb, indeed.'

'He does not!' cried Laura. 'He never is unjust! How can you say so,
Amy?'

'Then why does he impute motives, and not straightforwardly tell what he
means?'

'It is impossible in this case,' said Laura.

'Do you know what it is?'

'Yes,' said Laura, perfectly truthful, and feeling herself in a dreadful
predicament.

'And you can't tell me?'

'I don't think I can.'

'Nor Guy?'

'Not for worlds,' cried Laura, in horror.

'Can't you get Philip to tell him?'

'Oh no, no! I can't explain it, Amy; and all that can be done is to let
it die away as fast as possible. It is only the rout about it that is of
consequence.'

'It is very odd,' said Amy, 'but I must dress,' and away she ran, much
puzzled, but with no desire to look into Philip's secrets.

Laura rested her head on her hand, sighed, and wondered why it was so
hard to answer. She almost wished she had said Philip had been advising
her to discourage any attachment on Guy's part; but then Amy might have
laughed, and asked why. No! no! Philip's confidence was in her keeping,
and cost her what it might, she would be faithful to the trust.

There was now