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 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 XXXXX he had recovered his self-control sufficiently to be able to say `` good evening '' in a calm voice .
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