l do very
well together, and we can choose something pretty for her off the
Crawford's stall. I would rather she did not go, I would indeed."

"It will do her good," pleaded Bessie; "the room will not be crowded
just at first, and it will be such a pretty sight. She would be dull if
we left her at home and the drive will refresh her."

"Do you think so?" returned Mrs. Sefton doubtfully. "But I am beginning
to lose heart; nothing we can do seems to please her. I believe she is
getting tired of Brighton; last night she said she wished we were at
home; but Oatlands is far too quiet for her. I think I shall take rooms
in town for the season, and afterward we will go abroad. The Crawford's
are going to the Engadine, and they are lively young people, and their
society will be good for Edna. Perhaps," looking at Bessie wistfully,
"your mother might be induced to spare you, and we could take you with
us. You have never seen Switzerland, Bessie?"

"No, none of us have ever been abroad. Oh, it would be too delightful!"
but as Bessie went off smiling to get ready for the drive, she told
herself that any Swiss journey would be very dubious. "That is one of
the things one has to long for all one's life," thought Bessie, "one of
the denied good things that are to come presently."

Edna came down to the carriage looking quite bright and pretty; she was
no longer in a misanthropic mood, the mere exertion of dressing to
please her mother had done her a world of good. It was a brilliant
afternoon and already groups of well-dressed people were moving in the
direction of the Pavilion. "There are the Tozers, mamma!" she exclaimed
beginning to look interested; "and there is Lady Hampton in that
victoria; she has her old bonnet on; what a dear old dowdy she is! I
tell you what, Bessie, I mean to dress well, even when I am a cranky old
maid; there is a great support in clothes--and--no, it can't be----"

"Well, finish your sentence," observed Bessie. "Have you seen a ghost,
Edna?" laughing rather nervously, for Edna had changed color in a
singular manner.

"No, only a likeness; but of course I was mistaken;" but, all the same,
Bessie knew that Edna had really seen Mr. Sinclair, however much she
might doubt the evidence of her eyes. She had caught a glimpse of him,
too--he was on his way to the Pavilion with the other people.

Edna did not recover herself in a hurry; she looked white and shaken;
the likeness must have been a strong one,