I answered with a tremor in my voice, for her earnest look troubled me, that we all thought quiet better for her, even than the pleasant excitement which his company might bring. She shook her head, and observed with one of her touching smiles, "that it did not help the flowers to keep back the dew when they thirsted for it." I had no answer; all my petty evasions against her affectionate entreaties were like straw flung on the surface of a brook; I had no heart to attempt more. She had fallen into silence, and lay shading her eyes with one hand, when Mr. Lee came in with a heavy, ringing step, and a cloud on his face. His wife started up, and her eyes sparkled as she held out her hand. "Were you asleep? Have I disturbed you?" he said, abruptly. "Oh! no, that is impossible, I think; but--but you look troubled. What is it?" "Troubled? Do I? Nothing of the kind. How fanciful you are, my dear! What should any of us have to do with trouble?" "Not while we are together," she said, touching the seat I had abandoned with her hand, thus delicately inviting him to her side. But he strode to the window, and looked out with anxiety. Something was evidently on his mind. Just then I heard voices in the garden. It was Mrs. Dennison calling aloud for Jessie. "Jessie, Jessie, darling, where have you hidden yourself? Here is some one wishes to see you." The voice came ringing up clear and distinct; Mr. Lee heard it, and the frown grew lighter upon his forehead. Directly a light step came up the stairs. Mr. Lee turned and looked toward the door. Mrs. Dennison entered the chamber without waiting for her knock to be answered. "Where is Jessie?" she cried, all cheerfulness and animation; "she is wanted, and I am quite out of breath searching for her in the garden, Mr. Lee. Dear Miss Hyde, pray help me to find her." Mr. Lee came forward at this challenge, almost smiling. "Have you been to her room?" he said. She answered him that she had not, but added something in a low, hurried voice. Guarded as it was, I caught the sense. "There was a little misunderstanding between them," she said; "he wanted me to mediate, and is waiting for her in the garden." Mr. Lee listened, and one of the rare smiles I have spoken of beamed over his face. He made a movement as if to go out with the widow; but seeing the anxiety in Mrs. Lee's eyes, I went forward at once, saying, as I hurried by the couple,-- "As you are here to sit with Mrs. Lee, sir, I will look for Jessie." The smile that crept across Mrs. Dennison's lips was like a reptile feeding on a rose. "You are very kind," she said. "I had no idea of enlisting Mr. Lee; his duties here are too sacred for that." CHAPTER XXXIX. LOTTIE AS A LETTER-WRITER.