"Very well, my darling," said Lady Rea, resignedly. "But, pray, try now and look brighter. Papa will be terribly put out if he finds you so; for he said you told him yesterday you would do as he wished about Captain Vanleigh, and Aunt Matty has been quite affectionate to me ever since." "Mamma, dear, do you think it will make you happier?" "I don't know, my dear," said Lady Rea. "I blame myself sometimes for not being more determined; but I'm obliged to own that Captain Vanleigh has been very patient, and he must care for you." Tiny shuddered again, and her sobs became so violent that Lady Rea drew up the carriage window, for a few minutes being quite alarmed. At length, though, the poor girl grew calm, and seemed to make an effort over herself as they neared home, just as Fin crossed the road from the square garden, looking as innocent as if she had not had half an hour's talk with Frank Pratt. Volume 3, Chapter XV. AT HOME. "And what do you mean to do, Tiny?" said Fin, as she stood by her sister's side, dressed for the evening. "Papa told me about it, and nearly boxed my ears because I said it was a shame; and he ended by saying if I did not follow your example, and listen to Sir Felix, he would keep me on bread and water; and then I laughed out loud, and he left the room in a fury. How could you be so weak?" "I don't know," faltered Tiny, "only that I was very miserable. Constant dropping will wear a stone." "Then the stone must be very soft. Withdraw your promise," cried Fin. "Do as I do. I'll be as obedient a child as I can, but I will not be married against my will." "Please, Miss, somebody's downstairs already," said their maid, entering the room. "And Edward says Sir Hampton's in a towering passion because there was no one but him in the drawing-room." "Isn't mamma there?" cried Fin. "No, Miss, her ladyship was dressed, and going down; but her primrose satin came undone--give way at the hooks and eyes--and she had to go back to change it." "Tell Edward to say we'll be down in a moment," said Fin. Hurrying the girl out of the room, she turned to Tiny, who stood looking pale and stunned. "It wasn't true, Fin!" she said, pitifully, as her face began to work. "He wasn't deceitful. I saw her to-day." "Saw whom?" exclaimed Fin, in wonder. "That poor girl. She sent for me--she is dying; and oh, Fin, darling, I feel as if my heart would break!" She sank sobbing on her sister's shoulder, sadly disarranging poor Fin's dress; but that was forgotten as, with eager haste, the little maiden tried hard to soothe and comfort her. "If ma won't fight for you, Tiny, I will," she cried, impetuously. "I declare its too bad. I don't half know what you are talking about; but Frank--I mean Mr Pratt, always sticks up for his friend. Ugh! I wish I'd been near when that wicked Mrs Lloyd changed the babies, I'd have knocked her head off." At this moment there was a knock at the bedroom door.