“No, I don’t think shame is in their way, or pride, but sheer incompetence.  One is blind, another is a confirmed invalid.”

“Then perhaps Providence puts them in your lot for the correction of selfishness,” said Bessie laughing.  “I believe if we all helped the need that belongs to us by kindred or service, there would be little misery of indigence in the world, and little superfluity of riches even amongst the richest.  That must have been the original reading of the old saw that sayeth, ‘Charity should begin at home.’”.

“Oh, political economy is not in my line,” cried Mrs. Stokes, also laughing.  “You have caught a world of wisdom from Mr. Cecil Burleigh, no doubt, but please don’t shower it on me.”

Bessie did not own the impeachment by a blush, as she would have done a week ago.  She could hear that name with composure now, and was proving an apt pupil in the manners of society.  Mrs. Stokes scanned her in some perplexity, and would have had her discourse of the occupations and diversions of Brentwood, but all Bessie’s inclination was to discourse of those precious boys in Minster Court.

“They are just of an age to be play-fellows with your boys,” she said to the blooming little matron.  “How I should rejoice to see them racing about the garden together!”

Bessie was to wish this often and long before her loving desire was gratified.  If she had not been preassured that her grandfather did, in fact, know all that was to be known about the children, nothing in his conduct would have betrayed it to her.  She told the story in writing to her mother, and received advice of prudence and patience.  The days and weeks at Abbotsmead flowed evenly on, and brought no opportunity of asking the favor of a visit from them.  Mr. and Mrs. Chiverton drove over to luncheon, and Bessie and her grandfather returned the civility.  Sir Edward Lucas came to call and stayed a long time, planning his new town for colliers:  Miss Fairfax said a word in praise of steep tiled roofs as more airy than low roofs of slate, and Sir Edward was an easy convert to her opinion.  Mr. Cecil Burleigh came twice to spend a few days, and brought a favorable report of his canvass; the second time his sister accompanied him, and they brought the good news that Lady Latimer was at Brentwood, and was coming to Hartwell the following week.

Bessie Fairfax was certainly happier when there was company at Abbotsmead, and she had a preference for Miss Burleigh’s company; which might be variously interpreted.  Miss Burleigh herself considered Miss Fairfax rather cold, but then Bessie was not expansive unless she loved very fondly and familiarly.  One day they fell a-talking of Mr. Laurence Fairfax’s wife, and Miss Burleigh suggested a cautious inquiry with a view to obtaining Bessie’s real sentiments respecting her.  She received the frankest exposition of them, with a bit of information to boot that gave her a theme for reflection.