“‘What circumstance led you to believe that?’
“‘Oh, don’t be so inquisitive; I am not going to tell you all my secrets. Go on about your business now; I am done with you until dinner is served.’
“I reluctantly obeyed, and returned to Viola’s room, where I was overjoyed to find Harry and her engaged in earnest conversation, in an undertone. I was a little sorry, however, when I saw that I had unfortunately interrupted a conversation in which they both seemed to be deeply interested, and I gathered up a few stray flowers that were scattered about the bureau top, and immediately left the room—making it appear that I had merely come in after the flowers.
“‘They are all right,’ said I to Lottie, as I entered the cook-room; ‘I surprised them in the midst of an earnest conversation, and they were both very much flurried; but I hastened to pick up these flowers and leave the room.’
“‘Did you learn what they were talking about?’
“‘I heard Harry tell one truth, if he never tells another.’
“‘What was it?’
“‘He said, “Viola, I know I have acted the fool; and I pray you to forgive me!”’
“‘And what did she say in reply?’
“‘I entered the room just then, but I saw from her looks that she was going to forgive him.’