"He said he thought he had heard so; he knew nothing about it."

For a moment Bessie Alden said nothing more; then, at last,
"And don't you intend to write to--to Mr. Beaumont?" she inquired.

"You mean to Lord Lambeth," said her sister.

"I said Mr. Beaumont because he was so good a friend of yours."

Mrs. Westgate looked at the young girl with sisterly candor.
"I don't care two straws for Mr. Beaumont."

"You were certainly very nice to him."

"I am nice to everyone," said Mrs. Westgate simply.

"To everyone but me," rejoined Bessie, smiling.

Her sister continued to look at her; then, at last, "Are you
in love with Lord Lambeth?" she asked.

The young girl stared a moment, and the question was apparently too humorous
even to make her blush. "Not that I know of," she answered.

"Because if you are," Mrs. Westgate went on, "I shall certainly
not send for him."

"That proves what I said," declared Bessie, smiling--"that you
are not nice to me."