Playing with some flowers on her lap, she said shyly-- 'Shall I tell you what you ought to do with this fortnight ?' 'Tell me,' said Manisty, stooping towards her.

It was well for her that she could not see his expression, as he took in with covetous delight her maidenly simpleness and sweetness.
'Oughtn't you--to finish the book?
You could--couldn't you?
And Mrs.
Burgoyne has been so disappointed.

It makes one sad to see her.' Her words gave her courage.

She looked at him again with a grave, friendly air.
Manisty drew himself suddenly erect.

After a pause, he said in another voice: 'I thought I had explained to you before that the book and I had reached a _cul de sac_--that I no longer saw my way with it.' Lucy thought of the criticisms upon it she had heard at the Embassy, and was uncomfortably silent.
'Miss Foster!' said Manisty suddenly, with determination.
Lucy's heart stood still.
'I believe I see the thought in your mind.