"
This was too much for the gravity of the young people. "A bishop,
Bessie! Can you array me in lawn sleeves and satin gown?" cried Harry
with a peal of laughter. Then, with a sudden recovery and a sigh, he
said, "Nay, mother, if I must play a part, it shall not be on that
stage. I'll keep my self-respect, whatever else I forfeit."
"You will have your own way, Harry, lead where it will; your father and
me have not that to learn at this time of day. But, Bessie joy, Mr.
Carnegie's in a hurry, and it is a good step to Fairfield. We shall see
you often while you are in the Forest, I hope?"
"Staying with Lady Latimer is not quite the same as being at home, but I
shall try to come again."
"Do, dear--we shall be more than pleased; you were ever a favorite at
Brook," said Mrs. Musgrave tenderly. Bessie kissed Harry's mother, shook
hands with himself and his father, who also patted her on the back as a
reminder of old familiarity, and then went off with Mr. Carnegie,
light-hearted and light-footed, a picture of young content. The doctor,
after one glance at her blithe face, thought that he could tell his wife
when he got home who it was their little Bessie really loved.
Harry Musgrave took his hat to set Christie part of the way back to
Beechhurst in the opposite direction. The young men talked as they
walked, Christie resuming the argument that the apparition of Bessie
Fairfax had interrupted in the afternoon.
Pages:
426
427
428
429
430
431
432
433
434
435
436
437
438
439
440
441
442
443
444
445
446
447
448
449
450