While she was speaking, Felix called to mind that on the day he first saw Lily in his father's house in Stapleton, Martha admitted her and her grandfather and brother to his father's study. "Did she remember Alfred's face?" he asked of himself mentally. "You saw the young man who came to Lizzie?" he asked aloud. "Yes, Felix." "Can you see his face now?" "No, I am shortsighted. If it were not for my love, I should not be able to distinguish Lizzie." "Tell me," said Felix, "do you ever remember seeing his face before?" "Never, Felix; and yet----" she paused, and passed her hand over her eyes--"now you mention it, there seemed to be something familiar in his face as I looked at him. But no, I must be mistaken; I have no recollection of ever having seen him. Why do you ask?" "I wondered if you had, that is all, Martha. And now" (dismissing the subject), "what is it you intend to do?" "I don't know--I am bewildered. At one time I think of going away, and bearing my misery until she writes to me again, which she is sure to do soon; then I can speak to her. At another time I think of going up to her, and showing myself. She would be glad to see me, I think; she would not turn her back upon me." "I am sure she would be glad to see you----" "Bless you, Felix," cried Martha, in a grateful tone, "for that assurance!" "But have you thought how you could account for your presence here, Martha? Would not the gentleman who brought her from London be likely to remember that he saw you at the ticket-office? Would not Lizzie be hurt if she thought you had been watching her?" "Yes, yes," exclaimed Martha, looking up to him for support. "You are right in everything you say; you can see things in a clearer light than I can. I am confused and tired out. It _would_ hurt Lizzie's feelings; and rather than that----" "Rather than that, if I judge you rightly, you would suffer much without murmuring." "You judge me rightly, Felix. I would suffer much to save her from the smallest pain." He gave her a bright look in approval, and pressed her hand. "You are sure of one thing, Martha--sure that Lizzie will write to you soon?" "O, yes." "Well, she has come out to enjoy the day--I don't suppose she has too many holidays. Look at her--you can see that she is happy. It would be a pity to spoil her enjoyment. You agree with me--I see it in your eyes. So presently, if it is necessary, you will go home and leave them to themselves." "If you advise me to do so, I will," she said humbly, and then with more animation, "although it will make me very unhappy to be sent away. For one reason, Felix. You must not think that in what I am going to say I am prejudiced or prompted by fears. I don't like that man's face." "Which of the two do you refer to, Martha?" "The one who brought Lizzie from London." "Neither do I." "You know him then--you have seen him?" "Let me think a little, Martha."