Again was Fleda most unwilling to answer, and it was after repeated urging that she at last said
"Cousin Charlton and Mr. Thorn."
"Charlton and Mr. Thorn! What did they say? What did they say, darling Fleda?"
"Oh, it's only that they tease me," said Fleda, trying hard to put an end to the tears which caused all this questioning, and to speak as if they were about a trifle. But Mrs. Carleton persisted.
"What do they say to tease you, love? What is it about? Guy, come in here, and help me to find out what is the matter with Fleda."
Fleda hid her face in Mrs. Carleton's neck, resolved to keep her lips sealed. Mr. Carleton came in, but to her great relief his question was directed not to her but his mother.
"Fleda has been annoyed by something those young men, her cousin and Mr. Thorn, have said to her; they tease her, she says, and she will not tell me what it is."
Mr. Carleton did not ask, and he presently left the state- room.
"Oh, I am afraid he will speak to them!" exclaimed Fleda, as soon as he was gone. "Oh, I oughtn't to have said that!"
Mrs. Carleton tried to soothe her, and asked what she was afraid of. But Fleda would not say any more. Her anxious fear that she had done mischief helped to dry her tears, and she sorrowfully resolved she would keep her griefs to herself next time.