"This is lucky," he said. "I thought you had left me for the day." "Why should you think that?" she replied. "It would be impossible for people not constantly to come against each other in a small place like this." "May I come with you now? You seem very busy." "You can come and help me if you feel inclined. I always have a great deal to do at these feasts; I have been at them for years, and know all about them, and the Rector invariably expects me to keep the ball going." "What ball?" "The ball of pleasure. Each hand must grasp it--everyone must be happy. That is the Hector's aim and mine." "I think it is your aim not only to-day, but every day." "Yes, if I can manage it. I can't always." "You could always make me very happy." Beatrice turned her eyes and looked at him. Her look made him blush. "You are mistaken when you say that," she responded, in a grave tone. "You are not the sort of person to be made happy by a simple country girl like me. The Northbury people only need small things, and many times it is within my power to supply their desires. But you are different. You would not be content with small things." "Assuredly not from you." Then he paused; and as she blushed this time, he hastened to add: "You can help me not in a small, but in a big way, and if you grant me this help, you will save my mother, and--yes--and Catherine." "I love Catherine," said Beatrice. "I know it--you would like to save her." "Certainly; but I did not know she was in peril." "Don't whisper it, but she is. You can put things straight for her. May I talk to you? May I tell you what I mean?" "You look very solemn, and this is a day of pleasure. Must you talk to me to-day?" "I won't talk of anything to worry you today. But I may some time?" "I suppose you may. At least it is difficult to reply in the negative to any one who wants my help." "That is all I need you to say. You will understand after I have spoken. May I come to see you to-morrow?" "Yes, you may come to-morrow. I shall be at home in the morning." "Beatrice," said a voice, "Bee--Trixie--I do think it's unkind to cut an old friend." Beatrice turned. Mrs. Bell, puffed and hot, accompanied by Matty, who was also a little blown, and by the younger girls, looking very cross, had been chasing Captain Bertram and Miss Meadowsweet from one lawn to another. Mrs. Bell, after receiving a somewhat severe snubbing from Mrs. Gorman Stanley, had just retired into the marquee to refresh herself with strawberry ices, when Sophy, laying a hand on her mother's shoulder, informed her in a loud whisper that Captain Bertram and Bee Meadowsweet had gone down the steps of the terrace to the tennis lawn side by side. "We'll make after them!" exclaimed the good lady. "Girls, don't finish your ices; come quick."