"And why not, dearest Ethelind; I shall really begin to suspect you
like him yourself; oh, that tell tale blush, how it becomes you."

"I think," said Ethelind, "any one would colour at such an
accusation."

"Well then, to be honest, I have no heart to give."

"No heart to give! surely you are not engaged, and act thus?"

"I am, indeed."

"Cruel, heartless Beatrice," said Ethelind, "you cannot mean what you
say."

"I do most solemnly affirm it; but I will tell you all bye and bye:
now I cannot. I am smarting too much under you severe philippic, you
shall indeed know all,--but," said the thoughtless girl, "let us go
home, as your mother will be waiting tea, and Mr. Barclay with her."

"How can you face one you have so injured," said Ethelind, "I could
not."

"When you see a little more of the world, you will call these little
flirtations very venial errors."

"I hope," said Ethelind, "I shall never call _wrong right_, or _right
wrong_; neither, I trust, shall I ever act as if I thought so."

They reached home, and found tea ready, but Mr. Barclay was not there,