‘Who would refuse him--and his money?’ ‘Oh, Bella! Now surely you would not marry such a man as that--for all the money in the world?’ ‘I would not, well as I know the value of money. But I have no doubt there are plenty of girls who would. And now, Beatrix, tell me why you never go to the Vicarage now.’ ‘Simply because my father has forbidden me.’ ‘How unkind! But he must have some reason for such a step.’ ‘He has his reasons no doubt.’ ‘And has he not told you what they are?’ ‘Don’t let us talk about it, please, Bella dear. I had rather speak of anything else.’ ‘Of course,’ thought Bella, ‘the whole thing is quite clear.’ CHAPTER XVII. MRS. PIPER’S TROUBLES. BEATRIX HAREFIELD’S spirits improved in the society of her friend. She was fond of Bella, and believed in Bella’s faithfulness and affection. Her reticence on the subject of Cyril Culverhouse had not arisen from distrust, but from a reserve natural in a girl reared in solitude, and with a mind lofty and ardent enough to make first love sacred as religion. But when Bella, with every evidence of fondness, entreated to be taken into her friend’s confidence, Beatrix was not so stoical as to refuse the comfort of sympathy. ‘I know you are hiding something from me, Beatrix,’ said Bella, as they were walking in the wintry garden on the first morning of her visit. ‘There is a reason for your father’s forbidding your visits to the Vicarage--and a reason for your pale cheeks and sleepless nights. Why are you afraid to trust me?’ ‘I am not afraid to trust you. But there are things one does not care to talk about.’ ‘Does not one? What are those things, dear? Do you mean that you don’t care to talk about Mr. Culverhouse?’ Beatrix started, and flushed crimson. ‘How do you know--did any one tell you?’ ‘My dear Beatrix, I have eyes and ears, and they told me. I have seen you together. I have heard him speak of you.’ ‘And you found out----’ ‘That you adore each other.’ ‘It is true, Bella. I love him with all my heart and soul--and we are to be married as soon as I am of age.’ ‘With your father’s consent?’ ‘With or without it. That matters very little to me.’ ‘But if you offend him he may leave his estate to a hospital,’ suggested Bella, who knew a great deal more about Mr. Harefield’s property than Beatrix. ‘He may do what he likes with it. Cyril will not marry me for my fortune.’ ‘Of course not, but fortune is a very good thing, and Mr. Culverhouse, who is poor, must think so.’ This arrow glanced aside from the armour of Beatrix’s faith. No one could have made her believe that her lover had any lurking greed of wealth. ‘Then it is all settled,’ said Bella, cheerfully. ‘You will be of age in two years, and then you are to be married, whether Mr. Harefield likes or not. I really can’t see why you should be unhappy.’