The Time of Roses

month of August that the little Mummy was

r face still had that half-anxious, half-comical expression, which made people turn to look at her with something between a smile and a sigh. She was commonplace and pla

e platform, and the little woman pac

sort of girl Miss Sharston is. She has been very kind to Florence; but it was rash

e platform and one or two passengers alighted. Amongst these was a tall, well-set-up, dark-eyed girl, and accompanying he

up to where the littl

and hungry, and glad to see you again. Is there any sort of trap for o

replied the little Mummy. "Oh, I am so glad to see you,

ve a real charming time in the country. It is very

the luggage, and Mrs. Aylmer and Kitty slowly left t

ever and a day. We are grown-up girls ready to take our place in the

she added after a moment's pause: "But I don't know that I am glad to have left schoo

Court School," said the wi

o not in the least mind having Cherry Court School alluded to. I have had a right good time, and it was a very lucky thing for me I did not win that Schola

ittle Mummy, who gazed at her with something of her old expression of mingled affection and fear. Flore

ooking not a day older than she had done six years ago. She dropped a

I am very glad to come home, and th

en she glanced at Mrs. Aylme

aid, "and how we are to fit you two yo

l arranged; don't you go and put your finger into th

found themselves in the house. Florence had not been home for two or three years. Kitty h

s for the walls"-she stretched out her long arms playfully-"I can almost touch from wall to wall; but never mind, it's

style-crabs and a water-cress salad. I thought you would appreciate that; we so often

," replied Florence. "Would you l

leep was a mystery known only to herself; but, as she seemed quite cheerful an

he quite adores the thought of having us both with her i

tty, "and I would put up with anything

go to India after all: that you are going to live here and take

tress of a home," replied Kitty; "but I am going to be with fat

ed Florence, in a s

e you going

my living," replie

rse; bu

t for good. What a blessing it is that I shall not have anything to do with

out Mrs. Aylmer's voice from be

er. Mrs. Aylmer chatted in very much the way she had chatted six year

quarter-twelve pounds ten shillings. She never misses a day, I will say that

splendid, mother,

he said she would not, and she has k

es it matter?" re

say he is a very pushing and a very designing young man, and that he twists poor Susan round his little finger. I know she sent him to Cambridge and spent an enormous sum on him there-two or three hundred a year at the very least-and now he has returned and

the girl for being independent. Mother, Kitty and

Oh, don't breathe it too loud. I wouldn't part with her for the world; but really she does rule me.

to-night on a silver sea, and the place looked calm and peaceful, as if no stor

almost danced as she walked. Florence's steps were also full

king of, Flo?" sai

ence; "about that man, Maurice Trev

aid Kitty. "But don't let us think of hi

e bread of dependence: to eat her bread! Oh, he mus

her arm inside

u can come; then you will have two homes, you know, Florry: the little Mummy's home, as you always call your mother, and my home.

id Florence; "but there, I have repented of that

about you, Florence," said Kitty.

is t

mes. Just do promise me that you won'

arling; but you ar