"Yes, about your dear, good self," answered Elizabeth, glad to remove the subject from any connection with her secret dread.
"And my useless bits of affairs," pursued Tom; "just let things rest as they are, it's the best way."
"I don't wish to do anything to annoy you," she replied; "and you know very well I am the last person in the world to interfere——"
"Oh, don't talk like that, or I shall think you are offended."
"Not in the least, Tom; I only meant to say that it was my regard for your happiness that made me speak."
"I know—I feel that, Bessie; but just let things go on! Perhaps I am asleep and dreaming, but the slumber is pleasant, so don't wake me; it's cruel kindness, dear."
Elizabeth said nothing more; it was useless to pursue the subject; where Tom was concerned she saw plainly that it could do no good, his heart was fixed.