“To me!” Lucy’s simple countenance grew crimson. She did not quite understand the half pleasure, half repugnance that seemed all at once to flood her veins to overflowing. The color rushed to her face. She was flattered; what girl would have been otherwise? But she was more embarrassed than flattered. “Oh, no, Mr. Russell, please not. It is too much. I have no right to such a compliment.” “Then I don’t know who has,” he said. “You sought us out when we were very low, and gave us courage. That was the thing we wanted most. My mother is not encouraging, Miss Trevor. She is very good; but she is so anxious--so easily cast down.” “She is in very great hopes now, Mr. Russell.” “Oh, yes; poor mother--too great. I don’t know what she thinks is coming. A fortune--a king’s ransom. And she will be disappointed. I feel sure she will be disappointed--even if I succeed. I shall have to think of getting connections, forming friends, helping myself on in the world, instead of muddling always here.” Then there was a moment of silence, and the sound of the horse’s hoofs on the stones came in, ringing in Lucy’s ears. And these words raised up echoes of their own. Lucy’s young soul got perplexed among them. But she said nothing, and after a moment he went on. “Of course I will help them; but I must think of what is to be done next, and I must be in a place where I can see people--not out here. You are so reasonable, you will understand me, Miss Trevor. It is hard to be living among people who do not understand. I will bring you one of the first copies, if you will let me--the very first, if I have my way,” he said, looking up at her with a glow on his face. As she sat on her horse, swaying a little with the movement, she looked the most desirable thing in all the world to Bertie Russell. To think a girl the best thing you could become possessed of, the most valuable and precious, the highest prize to be aspired to, the creature who can bestow everything you most wish for--is not that being in love with her? If so, Bertie Russell was in love; and he looked at her as if he were so. Lucy’s cheek was a little flushed with surprise, with the confusion of her thoughts, and he interpreted this so as to chime in with the excitement he had himself given way to. It was a genuine excitement. Heavens! if he could but win that girl to be his! what more would there be to wish for? He put out his hand and gently touched and stroked her horse’s neck. This meant the most shy caress to herself, and Lucy felt it so, with a thrill of alarm she could not tell why.