I turned away before he could speak, and Jessie went to him, saying something in a low voice. "Miss Hyde!" he called out, approaching me and extending his hand. "Why, dear friend, you are not angry with me? I would rather cut off this right hand than have that happen." My anger evaporated at once; like a silly fool as I am, the tears gathered in my eyes. He shook my hand heartily, while Jessie hovered about us like an anxious bird. "I really meant no harm," he began; but I would not hear a word. "I am ashamed of myself," I said, "and that is the end of it; I am tired and cross." "You are not well," he replied, kindly. "Jessie, make her go and lie down." "She never will, papa." She put her arm caressingly about my waist, and Mr. Lee stood holding my hand, petting me as if my words had been a matter of the greatest consequence. Suddenly Mrs. Dennison entered from the terrace, and exclaimed, with a gay laugh,-- "What a pretty scene! Are you acting a comedy, Mr. Lee? How well you do it!" He dropped my hand in some confusion, and turned toward her. "Better comedy than tragedy," he said. "Oh, yes, a thousand times! But Miss Hyde's role seems to be a sentimental one--she looks very lugubrious!" I longed to strike her full in her insolent mouth; but as that was impossible, I determined to pay her off for once in her own coin. A spirit of retaliation was roused within me that I had never before possessed. "You seem gay enough to make amends," I said. "Did you and Mr. Lawrence have a pleasant walk?" What a fool I was to think I could send a blow that would have any effect upon that piece of marble! She laughed outright, and clapped her hands in childish exultation. "She wants to accuse me of being a flirt!" she exclaimed; "Oh, you naughty Miss Hyde! I did meet Mr. Lawrence, but I had no idea of doing so when I went out. I think now I shall make a merit of my intention!" "You might always do so, I am sure," said Mr. Lee, gallantly. She held up a beautiful bouquet of wild flowers. "I heard Mrs. Lee wish for some blossoms fresh from the woods last night," she said; "so I went to gather them." Mr. Lee's face grew all sunshine at once; even Jessie was appeased, and, unseen by either, the widow shot me a quick glance of scorn. "How kind it was of you!" Jessie said. "Mamma will be so much obliged!" "I wanted to please her, darling Jessie," replied the widow. "But I must make one confession; will you grant me absolution, Mr. Lee?" "I can safely do that in advance. I am sure you have no very terrible sin to reveal." "Oh, I told a fib!" And she laughed archly. "I wanted to go all alone, so that dear Mrs. Lee would give me full credit for my thoughtfulness.-- You see how vain and selfish I am!--so I told Jessie that I was going to be occupied in my own room." "I think when selfishness takes a form like this, it is a very valuable quality to possess," returned Mr. Lee.