"Oh, no," said Lottie, "she's only Babylon. But I tell you what, that Lawrence isn't much of a snoop. He's a nicer fellow than I took him for. What do you think he did?" "I can't imagine." "He just turned on Babylon, like a hawk on a June-bug. 'I cannot believe this,' says he; 'but I will go to Bosworth this very day and explain.' "Then Babylon began to flutter; she didn't want that to happen, you know. "'He's sick,' says she; 'not expected to live.' "'The more reason why I should explain,' says he. "Then she twisted, and fluttered, and coaxed, and finally got him to promise not to say a word to anybody, to be regulated by her advice, and so on--she would be his friend--oh! how sincere a friend!--and then she took his hand, squeezed out a tear or so, and before long she had him in her clutch. Oh! it was as good as one of Miss Jessie's play-books." I had not interrupted Lottie; when she paused, I was speechless still. "What do you think now?" she demanded, triumphantly. "I do not know," I answered, so troubled and despondent that I had no courage to rebuke the girl. "We'll fix her yet," said Lottie; "don't you fret, Miss Hyde. I'll pay Babylon off before she's many weeks older, or you may call my head a puff-ball." "You silly child," I returned, smiling in spite of myself, "what can you do?" "Come, I like that!" snapped Lottie. "Why, what sort of a state would you all be in if it wasn't for me--tell me that? I've got my dear mistress, and Miss Jessie, and you, and everybody on my hands; but I'll bring you out square, I will, Miss Hyde." "I wish you would leave things as they are, Lottie, and attend to your own affairs." "These are my affairs, Miss Hyde, now don't say they ain't! I'm not a bad girl; I love them that have been kind to me, and I'd sooner have my hand burned off than not try to help them when I see they need it." "Be careful that you get into no mischief." "I'll take care of myself! Only wait, Miss Hyde. Keep tranquil and cool, Lottie's around!" She gave another jump, a louder crow, and lighted on her feet, in no way discomposed by her impromptu leap. By this time we had come in sight of the house. Lottie looked back. "I see Babylon's red shawl," said she; "off's the word. Good-bye, Miss Hyde." She darted away before I could speak, and I walked on toward the house, in no mood to encounter the woman at that moment. I saw Jessie and Mr. Lee standing upon the terrace; he turned and went into the house after a few seconds. I paused a moment, collected myself as well as I was able, and walked toward the spot where Jessie stood, determined to tell her at once of my visit to Mr. Bosworth, and urge her to comply with the request which he had made. CHAPTER XXIX. TROUBLES GATHER ABOUT OUR JESSIE.