If she could only believe it--if she could but accept his cheerful philosophy and his unwavering trust; but, alas! the sleepless dread at her heart prevented that.
"And about my stupid self, Bessie," added Tom.
"Yes, about your dear, good self," answered Elizabeth, glad to remove the subject from any connection with her secret dread.
"And my useless bits of affairs," pursued Tom; "just let things rest as they are, it's the best way."
"I don't wish to do anything to annoy you," she replied; "and you know very well I am the last person in the world to interfere----"
"Oh, don't talk like that, or I shall think you are offended."
"Not in the least, Tom; I only meant to say that it was my regard for your happiness that made me speak."
"I know--I feel that, Bessie; but just let things go on! Perhaps I am asleep and dreaming, but the slumber is pleasant, so don't wake me; it's cruel kindness, dear."
Elizabeth said nothing more; it was useless to pursue the subject; where Tom was concerned she saw plainly that it could do no good, his heart was fixed.
Just as Elizabeth was thinking over this conversation, and giving another little sigh for Tom and what she feared for him, a blithe young voice rang in the hall, carolling like a bird.
His face lighted up, his whole frame seemed to expand with delight. Elizabeth watched him. She knew better than ever that his heartstrings were twined about that young creature, that his very soul had gone out in worship at her feet.
"And where are you hidden, Lady Bess?" sang Elsie, gayly.
Tom rushed to the door and flung it open, upsetting the table again, and this time leaving Elizabeth to pick it up herself.
"Here she is, my fairy princess!" he called, standing in the doorway and looking up at her as she paused on the stairs.
"In that dismal den and guarded by a dragon," cried Elsie, peeping at him through the banisters, mischievously. "Pray where did you come from, C[oe]ur de Lion?"
"If you knew what I had brought for my lady-bird, you would be on your prettiest behavior and give me your best welcome," said Tom.
"It's bon-bons!" cried Elsie with a shriek of delight. "The ogre means pralines and caramels and marons glacés!"
"Come down and see," said Tom, mysteriously.