You are very nice," rejoined Margaret, not at all understanding her
objections. "White over blue and blue bonnets are the bridesmaids'
colors. My cousin Winny has caught the measles. Her dress will fit you,
but Aunt Olympia's maid will see to all that. You must not refuse me."

When they went down stairs Bessie found that her grandfather had
accepted for her Lady Latimer's invitation, and that he had also
accepted for himself an invitation to the wedding. Nor yet were the
troubles of the day over.

"Are you going to walk?" said Mr. Wiley, coming out into the hall. "Then
I shall have much pleasure in walking with you. Our roads are the same."

Bessie's dismay was so evident as to be ludicrous. Mr. Wiley was either
very forgiving or very pachydermatous. Lady Latimer kissed her, and
whispered a warning "Take care!" and she made a sign of setting a watch
on her lips.

"So you will not have to be a teacher, after all, Bessie?" the judicious
rector took occasion to say the moment they were clear of Fairfield. Mr.
Fairfax listened. Bessie felt hot and angry: what need was there to
inflict this on her grandfather? "Was it a dressmaker or a
school-mistress Lady Latimer last proposed to make of you? I forget,"
said Mr. Wiley with an air of guileless consideration as he planted his
thorn.

"I never heard that there was any idea of dressmaking: I am not fond of
my needle," said Bessie curtly.

"Yes, there was. Her ladyship spoke of it to Mrs. Wiley. We hoped that