"Then I will hide you--shall I?" He took her to the end of a counter, piled to the ceiling with goods; gave her a tall stool, and bade her "rest awhile." Ida was ashamed of her perturbation, and heartsick of the feints and concealments her nature revolted at;--all the consequences of another's errors. Charley and Richard entered the store. "You had better say you will go," said the latter. "It is insufferably stupid;--staying here this weather." "I don't know whether I can get off;" answered Charley. "We'll see." His brother directed him to Ida. He was astonished to see her. "But you can never be unwelcome." "_Cela depend_;" said Ida, "I sue for a favor." "Consider it granted." "That will not do. Can you perform my bidding, without asking questions?" "I am not inquisitive; and I depend upon your discretion." "Then, will you deliver this letter immediately?" His countenance changed. Ida lifted her finger. "I have promised," he replied; "but Ida--if you were my sister, I would not be the bearer of this!" "Charley!" "I do not say it to hurt your feelings, but I know men, and this man, better than you do. This is not your handwriting. My fear is that you may be tampered with--not your integrity--but that designing people may impose upon your credulity." "I thank you sincerely for your consideration, but I act with my eyes open, and conscientiously believe that what I demand is actually necessary. _I_ dictated that note. Will you oblige me now?" "Unhesitatingly." "Be sure you give it, at once, to him. I cannot explain, I may never do it, perhaps. One thing more. Where does Mr. Copeland want you to go? and when?" "To the country, to-morrow; a _tete-a-tete_ drive out of town; a dinner at a tavern; and spend the day in the woods, gunning." "Go, please! I have a special reason for asking it--and start early." "More mysteries!" "The last I shall ever annoy you with, Charley." "Enough! if possible you shall be obeyed. I trust you, Ida--not one of the other parties concerned. By the way," he added, putting on his hat, "Lacy passed through the city yesterday; stopped but an hour, and left his regrets and respects for you. He would have called, but for the circumstances of the family." "I should have been happy to see him," said Ida, very naturally. "Was his sister with him? how is her health?" "Not improved. They contemplate a sea-voyage. I heard a queer report about him the other day." They were at the store-door, and Ida did not lower her veil, although the light was glaring. Charley was scrutinising her from the corners of his eyes, and she was aware of it. "I don't credit it;" he said. "They say he is engaged to be married to Miss Arnold." Ida smiled. "Why do you discredit it?" "Why I hear the girl is a flirt; she is pretty, but I don't relish the match. Besides, to be frank, I had a private opinion that--"