Her altered mind had to be explained, not only to her aunt, but to the Bertrams; and she came to the somewhat singular resolve to explain it in both cases by the simple truth. She would tell her aunt what had happened; and she would make George Bertram understand in a few and as kind words as might be, that under the present circumstances it would be better that they should not be thrown into the very close intercourse necessary for fellow-travellers in the East. She was very prudent, was Miss Waddington; and having freed herself of one lover because she did not like him, she prepared to rid herself of another because she did. The Bertrams were to leave Jerusalem together in a couple of days' time. George was to go with his father as far as Constantinople, and, having seen something of real Turks in real Turkey, was to return at once to England. After his last visit to the Mount of Olives, he said nothing further about the church as a profession. That evening Caroline settled it all with her aunt. "Aunt," said she, as they sat together brushing their hair before they went to bed, "you will think me very fanciful; but after all, I believe we had better go back by Alexandria." "Oh dear, I shall be so glad, my dear. Jane says that I could not possibly get a travelling dress made here that I could wear." "You could get a dress in Damascus, I don't doubt, aunt. But--" "And I really am not fit for much more riding. I don't like to disappoint you; but if you really wouldn't mind it--" "Well, I should mind it,--and I should not. But let me tell you. You must not think that I am so very changeable, first pressing you to go one way, and then begging you to go another, without a reason." "No; I know you do it for my sake." "Not that either, aunt--quite; but do listen. Mr. Bertram to-day made--" "He has not offered to you, has he?" "Yes, aunt; that is just what he has done. And, therefore, perhaps it will not be quite so well that we should travel together." "But, Caroline, tell me--pray do tell me; what did he say, and what have you said? Oh dear me, this is very sudden." And Miss Baker sat back in her chair, with her now grayish hair hanging over her shoulders, with her hair-brush still held in one hand, and with the other resting on the toilet-table. "As for what he said, I may skip that, aunt. It was the old story, I suppose, merely signifying that he wanted me to marry him." "Well, well." "As you truly say, aunt; it was too sudden. Mr. Bertram has a great deal to recommend him; a very great deal; one cannot but like him. He is very clever too." "Yes, Caroline; and will be his uncle's heir--doubtless." "I know nothing of that; to tell the truth, indeed, I never thought of that. But it would have made no difference." "And you refused him."