"Sidney was resolved—his cousin wished it—I had no power to stop it."
"Mattie, he loves you. He would have done as you wished."
"Who says he loves me?" asked Mattie. "I have never uttered a word to give you that belief, Harriet—have I?"
"No—but——"
"I don't own it now—I say nothing, but ask you to come with me. If I loved him, or mistrusted you, should I be here?"
"What am I to do?" asked the bewildered Harriet. "Oh! tell me, what can I do?"
"Maurice Hinchford thinks it possible—I think it possible—that Sidney may wish to speak to you before or afterwards. We may retire and see him not, or we may face him. If it should end as we all pray not, and hope not, you, at least, must not be away!"
"No, no!—I would not be away from him for all the world," cried Harriet. "I will go with you at once."
She darted out of the room, and Mr. Wesden seemed to take her place as if by magic before Mattie.
"What's it all mean, my girl?"