"You ought to," she replied, tremblingly.
"True." He sighed, then paused, as if expecting her to say more, but Amy was silent.
"Do you love me better than all others, Amy? better than your boy?"
"Nay, what a question. You know I love you, Robert."
He strained her passionately to his heart: had he held her there a moment longer, Amy might have told him all, for she felt strangely softened; but Frances' voice sounded; he drew away from her without a word, and was gone.
"I will ride to-morrow," thought Amy, "perhaps it will please him;" and Robert did look pleased the next day as she came out on the terrace—where he stood with Mrs. Linchmore,—in her riding habit and hat.
"You are going with us?" he cried.
"Yes, the day is so pleasant, I could not resist the temptation."
Ah, yes! The day! His brow clouded, and he turned away.
"I am glad you are coming," said Mrs. Linchmore, "as Frances does not ride."