It is very unpleasant . But of course I must refuse him . What a beautiful letter he writes too . I feel very much disturbed by this . '' Miss Madeline picked up Thomas à Kempis , smoothed him out repentantly , and placed the letter between his leaves . * * * * * When the Rev. Cecil Thorne called at the old Churchill place next evening at sunset and asked for Miss Madeline Churchill , Amelia showed him into the parlour and went to call her mistress . Mr. Thorne sat down by the window that looked out on the lawn . His heart gave a bound as he caught a glimpse of an airy white muslin among the trees and a ripple of distant laughter . The next minute Lina appeared , strolling down the secluded path that curved about the birches . A young man was walking beside her with his arm around her . They crossed the green square before the house and disappeared in the rose garden . Mr. Thorne leaned back in his chair and put his hand over his eyes . He felt that he had received his answer , and it was a very bitter moment for him . He had hardly dared hope that this bright , beautiful child could care for him , yet the realization came home to him none the less keenly . When Miss Madeline , paling and flushing by turns , came shyly in he had recovered his self-control sufficiently to be able to say `` good evening '' in a calm voice . Miss Madeline sat down opposite to him . At that moment she was devoutly thankful that she had never had any other proposal to refuse . It was a dreadful ordeal . If he would only help her out ! But he did not speak and every moment of silence made it worse .
`` I -- received your letter , Mr. Thorne , '' she faltered at last , looking distressfully down XXXXX the floor .
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