It was Hetty's turn to stare wide-eyed. "You are going to give
Romley up?" she asked very slowly.

"Yes, yes, yes--and I wish I was in my grave!" Patty collapsed again
dismally, but sat upright after a moment. "As for your behaviour,
'tis positively wicked, and I think father ought to be told of it!"

Hetty put out both hands; but instead of shaking her sister (as she
was minded to do) she let the open palms fall gently upon her
shoulders and looked her in the face.

"Then I advise you not to tell him, dear. For in the first place it
would do no good."

"Do no good?"

"Well, then, it would make no difference."

"You mean to--run away--with him?" gasped Patty, her eyes
involuntarily turning towards the window.

The glance set Hetty's laughter rippling. "Pat--Pat! don't be a
goose. I shall not run away with him from this house. I promised
mother."

"You--promised--mother!" Patty was reduced to stammering echoes.

"Dear me, yes. You must not suppose yourself the only one of her
children she understands." Hetty, being human, could not forgo this