"I am not always in the right, Ann," was the hard answer; "I am a foolish woman, ever ready to drop into the snare of a few fine words!"
Ann scarcely understood her; but she went on resolutely—
"You think he's tired of you—that it won't come right now. Why not?"
"Nothing can come right out of nothing," said Mattie, passionately, and not too clearly; "I can't be worried like this, Ann. I have nothing to tell you; I am what I have always been. If there be a difference, it is only that I am getting older, and more world-worn. Won't you believe me?"
"No, I won't. I think I know you well enough by this time, and aren't to be done by any reason short of what's a true un. Oh! Mattie gal, you're not happy; you, who have done so much for happiness to other people—and this shan't be, if I can help it! You and Mr. Hinchford must get married; and if there's been a quarrel, that'll mend, it."
"Mr. Hinchford and I will never marry, Ann."
"You mean it?"
"Yes."
"I don't see why," said Ann, reflectively.
"Mr. Hinchford will marry Harriet Wesden—they are old lovers, and true ones."