She gave her head a consequential toss and darted away, singing some dolorous ditty about "Long Ago." I went up to my chamber, sad and sick at heart. Our little world seemed going very wrong; but how to remedy that which was amiss I could not tell. I was powerless, and could only remain quiet and let things take their course, praying that God would shield those so dear to me from sorrow and harm. Perhaps an hour after, there was a low tap at my door, and, in obedience to my summons, Lottie danced into the room. "She's all alone, Miss Hyde. Babylon's trotted Mr. Lee into the garden, and Miss Jessie's in her own chamber. Come right along and sit with Mrs. Lee." CHAPTER XXXII. MRS. LEE DREAMS OF PASSION-FLOWERS. I rose at once and went to the chamber of our dear invalid. She was lying on a sofa, supported by pillows, and looking with pleasure at the bouquet of wild flowers that had been placed on her table. "I am glad to see you, Miss Hyde," she said. "Come in and sit here close by me. Look at my pretty flowers." "They are very lovely!" I replied. "They make me feel as if I were in the woods." She sighed, checked the vain regret, and added cheerfully. "Mrs. Dennison brought them to me. Was it not thoughtful of her? I was wishing for them last night." "Very thoughtful," I said. "You look tired," she observed; "sit down and we will have one of our old, quiet hours. Mr. Lee had to go out, and Mrs. Dennison has gone to Jessie's room; so we shall be all alone." Another falsehood! My blood fairly boiled! Lottie had just seen the pair in the garden. But I could not speak--a word, a look might have destroyed that poor creature's peace forever! No syllable from my lips should send a thought of suspicion to her heart! I did sit down, and we had a long, pleasant conversation; for with those whom she knew well, Mrs. Lee was an exceedingly agreeable companion, although ill-health had made her nervous in the presence of strangers. After a time she began to speak of Jessie, and then it occurred to me that it would be a favorable opportunity to tell her of Jessie's desire to visit Mrs. Bosworth. She was shocked to hear of her young favorite's illness, and when I told her how anxious he was to see Jessie, and how necessary it seemed that he should not be opposed, she agreed with me that her daughter ought to go. "Certainly, certainly," she said. "Mr. Lee will think so too. You were quite right to promise, Miss Hyde." "I thought so." "Poor young man! Do you know, Martha Hyde, I used to think he was very fond of our Jessie? But of late I have so seldom left my room, or seen any one, that I don't know what goes on." I did not answer, and she changed the subject, with the excitability of all sick people. "Mrs. Dennison makes the house very gay," she said. "Very! Her manners are charming!" "She seems a superior woman. Do you begin to like her, Martha?"