Aloud she said , `` He says he will call tomorrow evening to receive your answer . '' `` And , oh , what can I say to him ? '' murmured Miss Madeline in dismay . She wished she had a little of Lina 's experience . `` You are going to -- you will accept him , wo n't you ? '' asked Lina curiously . `` Oh , my dear , no ! '' cried Miss Madeline almost vehemently . `` I could n't think of such a thing . I am very sorry ; do you think he will feel badly ? '' `` Judging from his letter I feel sure he will , '' said Lina decidedly . Miss Madeline sighed . `` Oh , dear me ! 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 XXXXX distant laughter .
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