"Well, I will. Hasn't it ever come into your mind that Justin Everett was letting his thoughts turn towards Fidelia?" "Justin Everett!--Fidelia!" There was not another word spoken for a good many minutes. Eunice sat with her eyes cast down and with her colour coming and going; and Mrs Stone, seemingly intent on her knitting, noted every change on the beautiful face. But she waited for Eunice to speak first, and in a little she did so quietly enough. "I cannot say that I have never thought such a thing possible; but I have never seen any reason to make me think that it had happened. Have you, Ruby?" "Well, if anybody--say Mrs Holt or Mrs Ainsworth--were to come and tell me all that I could tell you, I expect as likely as not I should tell _them_ that all that amounted to nothing. It does not seem anything to tell. Well, a glance maybe, or a long look at her when he never supposed there was any one to take notice! It does not seem much to tell it, but the thought has come into my mind." "And Fidelia?" "Oh, as to Fidelia--I guess she's all right! I can't tell you anything about Fidelia. She didn't like him at first--anybody could see that. They are friendly now. Oh, yes, quite friendly! but I guess, Eunice, it is as your friend that Fidelia thinks of Justin Everett." "He _is_ my friend," said Eunice gravely. And after a little she added--"We will not speak any more about this just now, Ruby. By-and-by perhaps I may. No, you haven't hurt me. And I could bear to be hurt by you, Ruby, for my good or for Fidelia's." And not another word was spoken on the subject for a long time after that. The sun was set, but the moon was up before the young people came home. The chaise came first, and was stopped a minute at the gate. Eunice stayed in the porch, but Mrs Stone went down to speak to Mrs Everett at the gate. "I have got Fidelia with me," said Mrs Everett. "I wanted Justin to stay to take care of the young people. I should have been troubled about them; they are so full of frolic that they forget to take care of themselves. And I knew I should feel safe with Fidelia driving." "I am going to drive Mrs Everett all the way home, Eunice," said Fidelia. "There is no need. I guess I can drive myself the rest of the way." But, knowing the lady's timidity, Eunice told Fidelia she had better go on. "And I will send Jotham back with her at once," said Mrs Everett.