ss the burning face, and see, at
a moment's glance, how bright was the gleam of frightened joy, in the
downcast eye and troubled smile; when two knocks, given rapidly, were
heard, and almost at the same moment the door opened, and Guy stood
before her, his face no less glowing than that which Amy buried again on
her mother's knee.

'Come in, Guy,' said Mrs. Edmonstone, as he stood doubtful for a moment
at the door, and there was a sweet smile of proud, joyful affection on
her face, conveying even more encouragement than her tone. Amy raised
her head, and moved as if to leave the room.

'Don't go,' he said, earnestly, 'unless you wish it.'

Amy did not wish it, especially now that she had her mother to save
her confusion, and she sat on a footstool, holding her mother's hand,
looking up to Guy, whenever she felt bold enough, and hanging down her
head when he said what showed how much more highly he prized her than
silly little Amy could deserve.

'You know what I am come to say,' he began, standing by the
mantel-shelf, as was his wont in his conferences with Mrs. Edmonstone;
and he repeated the same in substance as he had said to Amy in the
garden, though with less calmness and coherence, and far more warmth of
expression, as if, now that she was protected by her mother's presence,
he exercised less force in self-restraint.

Never was anyone happier than was Mrs. Edmonstone; loving Guy so
heartily, seeing the beauty of his character in each word, rejoicing
that such affection should be bestowed on her little Amy, exulting
in her having won such a heart, and touched and gratified by the free
confidence with which both had at once hastened to pour out all to her,
not merely as a duty, but in the full ebullition of their warm young
love. The only difficulty was to bring herself to speak with prudence
becoming her position, whilst she was sympathizing with them as ardently
as if she was not older than both of them put together. When Guy spoke
of himself as unproved, and undeserving of trust, it was all she could
do to keep from declaring there was no one whom she thought so safe.

'While you go on as you have begun, Guy?'

'If you tell me to hope! Oh, Mrs. Edmonstone, is it wrong that an
earthly incentive to persevere should have power which sometimes seems
greater than the true one?'

'There is the best and strongest ground of all for trusting you,' said
she. 'If you spoke keeping right only for Amy's sake, then I