"Not yet, Dandie,--not yet. We must be patient, doggie, and he will come to us again."
It was a few moments before I could speak; but time was hastening on apace. Whilst I stood by the fire thinking how best to begin the subject I had at heart, Ada came and laid her hand on my arm.
"I have been wishing for you; I thought you would never come."
Then her mother had told a lie; but I said nothing.
"Lister Wilmot has been here this morning, talking a good deal." She stopped and hesitated.
To help her, I said, "Yes; so your mother tells me."
She looked at me inquiringly. "Has she told all that passed--all that he said?"
"She told me a great deal; but I would rather hear everything from you. My child, don't hesitate to confide in me. You don't know how it may help to clear matters up, which seem to be so fearfully complicated now."
I think she understood me, for she sighed wearily, and I heard her murmur to herself, "Poor mamma!"
"Lister was very kind this morning, and was in dreadful trouble about --him. He said he had thought of me more than any one, and would have come yesterday, but had so much to arrange and see to."