"There's no danger of that," said Tom. "But you know, if you should get unhappy or in trouble, there is always one old chap you could lean on." "I believe that, Tom; I do indeed." "And you would come to me, Bessie?" "If you could help me, yes. But trouble must come to all, Tom; and, generally, we must each bear our burdens alone." "How sad your voice sounds, Bessie." She made an effort to speak playfully: "You are getting all sorts of ridiculous fancies in your head; don't be so foolish." Tom was relieved by her manner, and began to laugh at his own ridiculous mistakes, rising from his knees and brushing the dust away with his handkerchief. "My head is a poor old trap," he said. "Well, well, I am glad you are happy--very glad." "And I want you to be happy, Tom." "I am, upon my word, I am! I don't allow myself to think any more or to look forward, but just live on, glad to be in the sunshine. 'Tisn't a bad world, after all, Bess; things usually come right in the end." If she could only believe it--if she could but accept his cheerful philosophy and his unwavering trust; but, alas! the sleepless dread at her heart prevented that. "And about my stupid self, Bessie," added Tom. "Yes, about your dear, good self," answered Elizabeth, glad to remove the subject from any connection with her secret dread. "And my useless bits of affairs," pursued Tom; "just let things rest as they are, it's the best way." "I don't wish to do anything to annoy you," she replied; "and you know very well I am the last person in the world to interfere----" "Oh, don't talk like that, or I shall think you are offended." "Not in the least, Tom; I only meant to say that it was my regard for your happiness that made me speak." "I know--I feel that, Bessie; but just let things go on! Perhaps I am asleep and dreaming, but the slumber is pleasant, so don't wake me; it's cruel kindness, dear." Elizabeth said nothing more; it was useless to pursue the subject; where Tom was concerned she saw plainly that it could do no good, his heart was fixed. CHAPTER XXXVI. LURED INTO DANGER. Just as Elizabeth was thinking over this conversation, and giving another little sigh for Tom and what she feared for him, a blithe young voice rang in the hall, carolling like a bird. "There she is!" exclaimed Tom. His face lighted up, his whole frame seemed to expand with delight. Elizabeth watched him. She knew better than ever that his heartstrings were twined about that young creature, that his very soul had gone out in worship at her feet. "And where are you hidden, Lady Bess?" sang Elsie, gayly. Tom rushed to the door and flung it open, upsetting the table again, and this time leaving Elizabeth to pick it up herself. "Here she is, my fairy princess!" he called, standing in the doorway and looking up at her as she paused on the stairs.