"Don't do that. It is a beautiful evening; mother would like you to take a walk with her."
"And I'd have the greatest pleasure in seeing Miss Effie home, if she would let me," said Lawson.
George hesitated for a moment. For some reason, which was more than evident, he did not want Effie to be alone with his friend.
He looked at his mother. She did not catch his eye, or she would have read his wish by instinct. The evening was really very fine, and she liked to walk round the square leaning on George's arm. When well enough, too, she liked him to take her to church.
"I think I'd enjoy a little walk with you, George," she said. "The evening is quite like spring—Wonderful weather for so near Christmas; the air is as mild and soft as milk; and as Mr. Lawson has so kindly promised to see Effie back, perhaps you'd come?"
"All right," said George. "By-by, Effie; you'll hear from me, perhaps, in the course of the week."
Effie went downstairs, followed by Lawson. As soon as ever they got out, he looked her full in the face.
"You must be greatly amazed," he said, "at my presuming to bother you about your family affairs."
"Oh, no!" she replied. "I think you are kind, but your words have made me very anxious."
"Then," said Lawson, "you see for yourself that things are not all right."