She was, fortunately, and her husband too, for he had a
hundred pounds for the picture--like coining money his father says. He
is very good to the old people, and makes them share his prosperity--a
most excellent son." Bessie listened for another name of an excellent
son. It came. "And Harry Musgrave is at Brook for a whiff of country
air. That young man works and plays very hard: he must take heed not to
overdo it."
"Then I shall see all my friends while I am in the Forest," said Bessie,
very glad.
"Yes, and as pleased they will be to see you. Mother, Bessie might walk
to Brook with me before tea. They will be uncommonly gratified, and she
will get over to us many another day," Mr. Carnegie proposed.
"Yes, Thomas, if it will not overtire her."
"Oh, nothing overtires me," said Bessie. "Let us go by Great-Ash Ford."
Before they started the doctor had a word or two with his wife alone. He
wanted to hear what she had made out from dear Bessie herself respecting
that grand gentleman, the member of Parliament, who by Lady Latimer's
account was her suitor some time ago and still.
"I am puzzled, Thomas, and that is the truth--girls are so deep," Mrs.
Carnegie said.
"Too deep sometimes for their own comprehension--eh? At any rate, she is
not moping and pining. She is as fresh as a rose, and her health and
spirits are all right. I don't remember when I have felt so thankful as
at the sight of her bonny face to-day.
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