She laughed outright, and clapped her hands in childish exultation.
"She wants to accuse me of being a flirt!" she exclaimed; "Oh, you naughty Miss Hyde! I did meet Mr. Lawrence, but I had no idea of doing so when I went out. I think now I shall make a merit of my intention!"
"You might always do so, I am sure," said Mr. Lee, gallantly.
She held up a beautiful bouquet of wild flowers.
"I heard Mrs. Lee wish for some blossoms fresh from the woods last night," she said; "so I went to gather them."
Mr. Lee's face grew all sunshine at once; even Jessie was appeased, and, unseen by either, the widow shot me a quick glance of scorn.
"How kind it was of you!" Jessie said. "Mamma will be so much obliged!"
"I wanted to please her, darling Jessie," replied the widow. "But I must make one confession; will you grant me absolution, Mr. Lee?"
"I can safely do that in advance. I am sure you have no very terrible sin to reveal."
"Oh, I told a fib!" And she laughed archly. "I wanted to go all alone, so that dear Mrs. Lee would give me full credit for my thoughtfulness.—You see how vain and selfish I am!—so I told Jessie that I was going to be occupied in my own room."