"Bai Jove, now, don't be an idiot!" exclaimed Max. "What's the good-- now that I'm working on your side, and we have got to understand one another--of running back like this? I'm obliged to speak plain, and to tell you that you are only a stupid child, Laury, and that you've taken a liking for another stupid child--and there's a pair of you; but all the same, if you do as I tell you, all will come right!" Laura tossed her head, and seemed somewhat mollified, perhaps from being reminded of her folly. "There," said Max, "that will do for this morning; so now do just as I tell you, and leave all the rest to me. But is it a bargain?" Laura Bray was thoughtful for a few minutes. She was placed in a position which required consideration: the languid brother, whom she had hitherto almost despised, was asking her to forego one purpose for the sake of an equivalent; but it was the fact of his asking her to trust herself entirely to his guidance that troubled her; and for a while she shrank from yielding. "Well," he said again, "is it a bargain?" Still Laura did not answer, but remained gazing fixedly at the speaker, who watched her as attentively, his flushed cheek and eager eyes displaying the interest he took in the affair. At last, though, she leaned forward, and taking one of his arms between her hands, "I never trusted you yet, Max," she said. "Sisterly, very--but perfectly true," he exclaimed, laughing. "But I will, Max, this time. But if you play me false--" "Hush!" ejaculated Max, throwing himself back in his chair, and forcing his glass beneath his brow to stare at the new-comer; for at that moment the drawing-room door opened, and Ella Bedford stood upon the threshold. Volume 1, Chapter XX. ELLA'S RESOLVE. "I beg pardon," said Ella, upon seeing who occupied the room. "I thought that Mrs Bray would be here." "No, not here now, Miss Bedford," said Max, in his best style. "But take a chair; she won't be long first. Don't run away, Laury." "I must; I have a letter or two to write," said Laura, trying hard to appear calm, and play into her brother's hand. But so far the efforts of brother and sister were without effect; for, with a few words of thanks, Ella withdrew; and a minute after the tones of Mrs Bray's voice were heard in loud expostulation, and coming nearer and nearer, till the door was flung open, and she entered, literally driving Ella before her. "There, only think, Maximilian dear," shrieked Mrs Bray; "here's Miss Bedford been to say she must go!" "Quite out of the question," said Max. "Bai Jove, what can you be thinking of, Miss Bedford? Why, poor Nelly would break her heart." Ella started slightly, for Max Bray had touched a tender chord, and she remained silent, with the tears standing in her eyes, as the form of Nelly forced itself upon her imagination.