'And—and she——'
'Refused him.'
'Why?'
Maude only shook her pretty head; but his heart told him too probably why, and for a time his conscience smote him.
'Don't you think she was foolish?' asked Maude; 'I certainly told her that I thought so, as Malcolm is such a lovable fellow.'
'And what did she say?'
'Replied, with a feeble laugh, that she meant to die an unappropriated blessing.'
'What is that, Maudie?'
'An old maid.'
'Nonsense—a handsome girl like Hester!'