"Perhaps he would give himself," said simple, innocent Mrs. Dlimm, who, from Lottie's coquetry and the expression of Hemstead's eyes, imagined that an understanding or an engagement existed between them.
Lottie laughed, till the tears came, at Hemstead's blushing confusion, but said after a moment, "That would be a graceless request from me."
"I don't think you would have to ask twice," whispered Mrs. Dlimm.
"Did you ever hear of the man who was given a white elephant?" asked Lottie, in her ear.
"No, what about him?" said Mrs. Dlimm, simply.
Lottie laughed again, and putting her arm around the little lady said, aloud:
"Mrs. Dlimm, you and your baby could go right back to the Garden of Eden, and I rather think Mr. Hemstead could be your escort."
"I trust we are all going to a far better place," she replied, quickly.
"I fear I'm going the other way," said Lottie, shaking her head. But she was surprised at the expression of honest trouble and sympathy that came out upon the face of the pastor's wife.
"Miss Marsden does herself injustice," said Hemstead, quickly. "You have seen her action. All that I have seen of her accords with that."