"My letter!" Mr. Thorne turned towards her. In her agitation Miss Madeline did not notice the surprise in his face and tone. "Yes," she said, gaining a little courage since the ice was broken. "It--it--was a very great surprise to me. I never thought you--you cared for me as--as you said. And I am very sorry because--because I cannot return your affection. And so, of course, I cannot marry you." Mr. Thorne put his hand over his eyes again. He understood now that there had been some mistake and that Miss Madeline had received the letter he had written to her niece. Well, it did not matter--the appearance of the young man in the garden had settled that. Would he tell Miss Madeline of her mistake? No, it would only humiliate her and it made no difference, since she had refused him. "I suppose it is of no use to ask you to reconsider your decision?" he said. "Oh, no," cried Miss Madeline almost aghast. She was afraid he might ask it after all. "Not in the least use. I am sorry--so very sorry--but I could not answer differently. We--I hope--this will make no difference in our friendly relations, Mr. Thorne?" "Not at all," said Mr. Thorne gravely. "We will try to forget that it has happened." He bowed sadly and went out. Miss Madeline watched him guiltily as he walked across the lawn. He looked heart-broken. How dreadful it had been! And Lina had refused twelve men! How could she have lived through it? "Perhaps one gets accustomed to doing it," reflected Miss Madeline. "But I am sure I never could." "Did Mr. Thorne feel very badly?" whispered Lina that night. "I'm afraid he did," confessed Miss Madeline sorrowfully. "He looked so pale and sad, Lina, that my heart ached for him. I am very thankful that I have never had any other proposals to decline. It is a very unpleasant experience. But," she added, with a little tinge of satisfaction in her sweet voice, "I am glad I had one. It--it has made me feel more like other people, you know, dear." Miss Sally's Company "How beautiful!" said Mary Seymour delightedly, as they dismounted from their wheels on the crest of the hill. "Ida, who could have supposed that such a view would be our reward for climbing that long, tedious hill with its ruts and stones? Don't you feel repaid?"