"No doubt!" said Walter, so excited and pained by her refusal of his suit that he was not prepared to do her justice even in his thoughts. "Others will consider you a very fortunate person also. It is well known that Valchester's parents are exceedingly wealthy."
Jaquelina's pretty, proud face grew pale at his words.
"I—did not know that," she said.
"Did you not, really?" asked Walter.
"No, I did not," she replied; then with a crimson blush: "Did you think, Mr. Earle, that I accepted Mr. Valchester for mercenary considerations?"
The pain and shame in the winning face overcame Walter's unreasonable and unjust mood.
"Forgive me," he said, "I was tempted a moment to think so; but of course I know better after what you have just told me. The smart of my own pain made me unjust. Do not be angry with me, Lina, if I may call you so this once. I shall hope still to be your friend since I cannot claim a dearer title."
Jaquelina held out her hand to him impulsively. Walter kissed it tenderly and regretfully.
"Valchester is a noble fellow," he said, bravely. "I hope you may be very happy together."
When he was gone, Jaquelina wept a shower of bright tears upon the pages of her book. She was very sorry for poor Walter's disappointment. She cried so bitterly that little Dollie was affected to participation in her grief, and wept in unison, whereat Jaquelina dried her tears and laughed.