But, that turned out to be more easily said than done; for, the instant she mentioned Mr. Lightwood’s name, John stopped, with his hand upon the lock of the room door.

“Come upstairs, my darling.”

Bella was amazed by the flush in his face, and by his sudden turning away. “What can it mean?” she thought, as she accompanied him upstairs.

“Now, my life,” said John, taking her on his knee, “tell me all about it.”

All very well to say, “Tell me all about it;” but John was very much confused. His attention evidently trailed off, now and then, even while Bella told him all about it. Yet she knew that he took a great interest in Lizzie and her fortunes. What could it mean?

“You will come to this marriage with me, John dear?”

“N⁠—no, my love; I can’t do that.”