Bessie felt afraid, as if she had unwittingly surprised a secret.

Visitors were announced. The gentlemen came from the dining-room. Mr.
Bernard and Margaret appeared from the rose-garden. So did some of the
little girls, and invited Bessie down the steps. There was a general hum
of voices and polite laughter. More visitors, more conversation, more
effort. Bessie began to feel tired of the restraint, and looked up to
her grandfather, who stood in the doorway talking to Margaret. The next
minute he came to her, and said, with as much consideration as if she
were a grown-up person, "You have had enough of this, Elizabeth. It is
time we were returning to Beechhurst."

Margaret understood. "You wish to go? Come, then; I will take you to my
room to put on your hat," said she.

They escaped unnoticed except by Lady Latimer. She followed them for a
hasty minute, and began to say, "Margaret I have been thinking that
Bessie Fairfax will do very well to take Winny's place as bridesmaid
next week, since Winny cannot possibly come."

"Oh no, no, no!" cried Bessie, clasping her hands in instant, pleading
alarm.

Margaret laughed and bade her hush. "Nobody contradicts Aunt Olympia,"
she said in a half whisper.

"I will speak to Mr. Fairfax and arrange it at once," Lady Latimer
added, and disappeared to carry out her sudden intention.

Bessie reiterated her prayer to be left alone. "You will do very well.