Mabel's woman's heart quickly thought of Clair, and, seating herself by her side, she waited patiently till she became a little composed, and then begged her to say if she could do any thing for her.
"Nobody can do anything for me," said Lucy, and the effort to speak called forth a fresh burst of sobs and tears.
"What has happened, do tell me?" said Mabel, "has any one been unkind to you, dear Lucy."
"The wretch," sobbed Lucy, "the mean-spirited wretch."
"I hope you do not speak of Clair," said Mabel, "what can he have been doing?"
"Oh, go away," cried Lucy, "go away, I am so unhappy, so wretched, I wish I had never seen him—never come here. Oh! leave me, go away, where shall I hide my face."
"I cannot leave you thus—do tell me what he has been doing?"
"They will laugh at me at home. What will Miss Lovelace say—oh dear!"
"Come, do tell me," said Mabel, anxiously, "I may be able to give you comfort."
"Oh, I cannot tell you."