"I felt I ought not to accept in that sort of fashion; it seemed to me very hard on him to keep him waiting indefinitely; and I could not bear for dear papa to have this to think about, when he believes he has got me as his comfort and help."
"Yes; I see it all," answered Christina sadly; "but I feel perplexed, Nellie. I wish you would tell Dr. Arundel."
"I will, if you think I ought; anyway I should have done so after a time; but it can make no difference now," she added; "for he left me in anger, and I told him I would not. Nothing could have been plainer."
"Oh, my Nellie, my Nellie!"
Nellie raised her head. "Don't pity me, Christina; I shall be glad soon. Just now you have caught me tired and stupid; but I shall be better soon. It has been the thought of hurting him which has been the worst."
That evening Nellie told her father in a few words of the offer she had received, and of her refusal.
Dr. Arundel heard her story, holding his arm round her, and hardly glancing at the downcast face.
At last he said, "But, Nellie, my child, I wish you would tell me; should you have refused him, if things had not been as they are at home?"
Nellie hesitated; and then said quickly, "But, papa, how could I leave it all?"
"Not now, I am sure you could not, nor would he wish it so soon; but I think you should have given him some hope, if—if you return his affection, Nellie. If people love each other, they should be willing to wait."