smile which was not quite natural.

Thyrza averted her eyes, and began to speak of something else. The
meal was quickly over, then Lydia took up some sewing. Thyrza went
to the window and stood for a while looking at the people that
passed, but presently she seated herself, and fell into the brooding
which her sister's entrance had interrupted. Lydia also was quieter
than usual; her eyes often wandered from her work to Thyrza. At last
she leaned forward and said:

'What are you thinking of, Blue-eyes?'

Thyrza drew a deep sigh.

'I don't know, Lyddy. It's so hot, I don't feel able to do
anything.'

'But you're always thinking and thinking. What is it that troubles
you?'

'I feel dull.'

'Why don't you like to go out with Mr. Ackroyd?' Lydia asked.

'Why do you so much want me to, Lyddy?'

'Because he thinks a great deal of you, and it would be nice if you
got to like him.'

'But I shan't, never;--I know I shan't.'