Lettice gave up, and imitated his silence. For three minutes, at least, the noisy little clock had things his own way, undisturbed. "Dear me, I'm afraid this is very unsociable," said Mr. Kelly at length. "I had no intention—I am sure—" "I am afraid something must have gone wrong in the Parish." "No, thanks; nothing at all. Nothing in connection with the Parish." "Then, is it anything you would like me to do? Any work—?" Another prolonged pause. "Miss Anderson, you once came to me years ago, to ask a question—was it not to ask advice?" His memory was slightly at fault, but Lettice made no attempt to set it right. "I am come to-day, on something of the same errand—that is to say—to ask a question, for a particular reason." "My advice would not be worth much." "That may depend upon certain circumstances. If, for instance, you had better means of judging—" Did he mean—Prue? The thought whirled through Lettice, producing an inward turmoil. Could it be? Yet, why should he come to her? "Better means of judging—" reflectively repeated Mr. Kelly. "If I have. Please ask me anything you like!" Lettice's cheeks were bright. "It is, of course, in confidence. I may depend upon you—should there be no result." "Quite!" "Then, could you tell me this? Is there the slightest hope, that—say, under any circumstances—Miss Valentine might marry?" "I don't see why not!" "I imagined—that perhaps—she seems so entirely the home-daughter—" "If it were for her happiness, how could they not be glad?" asked Lettice. "And they all love Prue so much! Everybody does, who knows her." "As you know her!" "Yes. I have never seen any one else like her." A smile stole over Mr. Kelly's serious face, and vanished. "She was once, I believe, engaged." "Was she?" "It was years ago, long before I first saw you. I knew her then, well. In fact—though I had not meant to reveal any personal interest in this question—I do not mind saying that she made a very strong impression on me then. But I was told that she was engaged; and I at once left the place." "Fled! Without making sure if the report were true!" "Perhaps I acted too precipitately. My information seemed reliable." "It was not!" Lettice spoke decisively. "You were told what was untrue." Mr. Kelly showed some slight agitation. "And all these years since—" "All these years since, she has never been engaged." It seemed very strange to Lettice that Bertha's visit should have been just in time to prepare her for this interview. She could not but speak out, however, having the requisite knowledge. "You are sure? It was a long while ago." "I am sure: because I have heard particulars. Prue was not engaged at that time; and she has never been engaged since. I know so much, positively. There cannot be any mistake." Mr. Kelly kept profound silence, and Lettice's heart beat fast. Would he ask any more? Had she said enough? "Thanks!" came at length, and he stood up. "I must not pay a longer visit to-day."