"I thought we were dear friends? Why can we not be such?"
At this moment Mrs. Murray came into the dining-room, and as she looked at the two sitting there in the early sunshine, with the basket of flowers between them; as she marked the heightened color and embarrassed expression on one fair, sweet face, and the eager pleading written on the other, so full of manly beauty, so frank and bright and genial, a possible destiny for both flashed before her; and pleased surprise warmed her own countenance as she hurried forward.
"Good-morning, Gordon. I am very glad to see you. How is Clara?"
"Quite well, thank you, and entirely absorbed in preparations for her party, as you will infer from this note, which she charged me to deliver in person, and for which I here pray your most favorable consideration."
As Mrs. Murray glanced over the note Edna turned to leave the room; but
Mr. Leigh exclaimed:
"Do not go just yet, I wish Mrs. Murray to decide a matter for me."
"Well, Gordon, what is it?"
"First, do you grant my sister's petition?"
"Certainly, I will bring Edna with me to-night, unless she prefers staying at home with her books. You know I let her do pretty much as she pleases."
"Now then for my little quarrel! Here is a curious old ring, which she will appreciate more highly than any one else whom I happen to know, and I want her to accept it as a birthday memento from me, but a few minutes ago she refused to wear it. Can you not come to my assistance, my dear Mrs. Murray?"