I wonder he didn't ask the woman herself down!" "He never could have done such a shameless thing, Charlotte," her sister said much shocked.

"Of course, we must have left the house instantly." "I should not have left the house," Miss Penfold said firmly.

"If the woman comes--and now he has asked the boy it is quite possible that he may ask the mother--our duty will be to remain here.

You know we have been uneasy ever since her husband died.

Herbert's infatuation concerning her has been pitiable, and we have always believed it has been that alone which has caused him to refuse so obstinately to enter into our plans, or to pay even decent courtesy to the various excellent young women we have from time to time asked down here, and who were in every way suitable for the position of mistress of this house--women full of sense, and who, with right guidance, would have made him perfectly happy.