CHAPTER XXIV.
IN THE COOMBE WOODS.
Breakfast was a more difficult affair than it had been on the preceding morning, and Edna, who was very quick-witted, soon saw there was something amiss with Bessie; but she was a kind-hearted girl, and she threw herself with such animation into the conversation that Bessie’s silence was unnoticed.
When the meal was finished Bessie withdrew to her room, and Edna would have followed her, but just then Richard came in, and begged her in a low voice to get rid of Miss Shelton for half an hour, as he wanted to speak to her and her mother; and then in a moment Edna guessed the truth.
Bessie remained a long time alone. She had finished her letter to her mother, and had just taken up her work, before Edna came in search of her.
Edna looked excited, and there were tears in her eyes as she kissed Bessie.
“You naughty little thing!” she said, trying to laugh. “Who ever would have thought of you and Ritchie falling in love with each other? I don’t think I have ever been more surprised in my life.”
“I was surprised, too,” replied Bessie naïvely. “Dear Edna, are you very much shocked?”
“Not at all. On the whole, I am very much pleased at the idea of having you as a sister. I fell in love with you myself, Bessie. I told Ritchie that, so I ought not to be so surprised that he has followed my example. I am not quite sure that he is good enough for you. I suppose you think he is,” doubtfully.
“Yes, indeed. It is I who am not good enough for him,” replied Bessie, blushing, and looking so pretty that Edna hugged her again.
“You are very kind to me, Edna, but I am afraid your mother will not be pleased about this;” and then Edna’s face grew somewhat grave.