"
"Pardon me for saying it to one so young and hopeful as yourself,
Miss Burton," Mr. Mayhew resumed gloomily, "but that which both
God and good-sense forbid seems the thing most sure to take place
in this world."
Although so dissimilar, deep and sad experiences made them kin, and
Miss Burton found she must make an effort not to let their thoughts
color their words too darkly for the time and place.
"I shall not let you destroy my faith in my old-fashioned simples,"
she said in tones that were lighter than her meaning. "You must not
be sure that because you are so much my senior, all my complaints
have been merely children's troubles. Appearances are often
misleading, you know."
"Not in your case, I think, Miss Burton. I have lost faith in
almost everything, and most of all in myself; but this unexpected
little talk has touched me deeper than you can know, and I cannot
help having faith in you."
"I will believe it," she said with a smile, "if you will give me
a little of your society before you go back to the city."
He looked at her with sudden suspicion. "Do you mean what you
say?"
"I do."
"Why do you wish my society?"
She hesitated.
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