The Beloved Woman

o-night, that Christopher had an evening engagement. She was almost always sure of finding An

self, as she received Chris's filial kiss on her forehead, and bent to embrace her daughter. Freda carried away her long

thought Carry Pope told me that you we

I ought to be dressing! But Alice and I have been loafing along here co

has a nice time; and then the next night he plays over the wh

white mantelpiece, and w

ée of yours here, to-day, Aun

erable and fearful interest that deepe

eridan?"

er mother's trembling one, and looking at her with all love an

nto Mrs. Mel

do, lovey,"

dingly. "Can't you-I'm not busy like Annie, or young like Leslie, and Chris is your man of business, after all! Can't y

I been acting like a person with something on her mind? It's nothing, children,

m one to another w

of the head, and Alice correctly interpreted it to

ianna?" he ventured. Mrs. Melrose moistened her lips, and swallow

dmitted, bravely. "And to tell you children the tr

ning that you had anticipated her coming!

, almost angrily. "And it was quite natural-or at least it seems so to me!-I don't know what other people would feel, but to me--But what are you two cross-examining me for?" she inter

g run smoothly. You know what the family is-to us. Don't you see we are?" Alice asked suddenly, seeing that the desire for sympathy and advice was rapidly breaking up the ic

ed, with fascinated eyes fi

ll back against her pi

opher stated, rather than asked, very quietly.

te-

Mama?" Alice whispe

is-Alice-if you love me, Annie must not know! So proud, so happy; and she w

er suspect it from me. It will all work out right, you'll see. Other people aren't watching us, as we always think they are; it's nobody's business if a cousin of ours suddenly appears in the family.

chair; her face was putty-coloured,

ng, as she clung to Alice's hand. "Alice, for

wait until to-morrow. Then we'll consult, and see just what proposition we can make to little Miss Sheridan, and what's best t

we've always faced things courageously. We're