"It is well thee hast," replied Patience. "I had just opened the door to come after her. Anna, thee art worse than a wild thing. Running off in this manner!" It had not been in William's way to see much of Anna's inner qualities. He had not detected her deceit; he did not know that she could be untruthful when it suited her to be so. He had firm faith in her word, never questioning that it might be depended upon. Nevertheless, when he came afterwards to reflect upon the matter, he thought it might be his duty to give Patience a little word of caution. And this he could do without compromising Anna. He contrived to see Patience alone the very next day. She began talking of their previous evening at the Ashleys'. "Yes," observed William, "it was a pleasant evening. It would have been all the pleasanter, though, but for one who was there--Herbert Dare." "I do not admire the Dares," said Patience frigidly. "Nor I. But I observed one thing, Patience--that he admires Anna. Were Anna my sister, I should not like her to be too much admired by Herbert Dare. So take care of her." Patience looked steadily at him. William continued, his tone confidential. "You know what Herbert Dare is said to be, Patience--fonder of leading people to ill than to good. Anna is giddy--as you yourself tell her twenty times a day. I would keep her carefully under my own eyes. I would not even allow her to run into our house at night, as she is fond of doing," he added with marked emphasis. "She is as safe there as she is here; but it is giving her a taste of liberty that she may not be the better for in the end. When she comes in, send Grace with her, or bring her yourself: I will see her home again. Tell her she is a grown-up young lady now, and it is not proper that she should go out unattended," he concluded, laughing. "William, I do not quite understand thee. Hast thee cause to say this?" "All I say, Patience, is--keep her out of the way of possible harm, of undesirable friendships. Were Anna to be drawn into a liking for Herbert Dare, I am sure it would not be agreeable to Mr. Lynn. He would never consider the Dares a desirable family for her to marry into----" "Marry into the family of the Dares!" interrupted Patience hotly. "Art thee losing thy senses, William?" "These likings sometimes lead to marriage," quietly continued William. "Therefore, I say, keep her away from all chance of forming them. Believe me, my advice is good." "I think I understand," concluded Patience. "I thank thee kindly, William." CHAPTER XXIV. ANNA'S EXCUSE. A very unpleasant part of the story has now to be touched upon. Unpleasant things occur in real life, and if true pictures have to be given of the world as it exists, as it goes on its round, day by day, allusion to them cannot be wholly avoided.