"I wish you could make her believe it's all a dream," he said to the Whitcombs. "I don't want the Carews to know about it. It would be far better if she could be induced to keep the secret."
"I am afraid you can't make Bella believe anything unless she likes, Mr. Antony."
No one had missed her. From the Long Branch boat she had gone directly to the Forty-second Street station, and started bravely away on her sentimental journey.
The little ladies induced him to eat what they could prepare for him, and he hurried away. He was obliged to take his train out at nine Monday morning.
He bade them look after bold Bella and teach her reason, and before he left he went in and looked at the little girl
lying with her face on her hand, the stains of tears and travel on her face.
"I told her that I had come to marry you, Cousin Antony...."
"Little cousin! Honey child!"
His heart was tender to his discarded little love.