The Time of Roses

lked up and down, chatting eagerly. For a time nothing whatever was said

thing I ought

that?" as

ived alone on extremely circumscribed means for many years,

d with regard to Mr.-Mr. Trevor,"

a sigh; "and we won't either of us think of it a

y s

have had it close to me all my days. I mean to do well in the world: to be beholden to no one. In a fortnight's time I am going to London. I am just taking this one fortnight of rest and refreshment: then I go to London. I have in my trunk half a dozen introductions to differ

companion, "how well you s

s Florence's reply. "I will never scheme again, I will never again do anythi

nds, accompanied by a young man in a grey suit. The man had broad shoulders, closely-cropped, rather fair hair, a sweeping moustache, and eyes as blue as the sky. He had a nice, open sort of face. He was tall, nearly six feet in height, and held himself as erect as a grenadier. He was

-looking, well-set-up young man and the girl in her pretty sum

" said

y no

?" continued Florence. She

I can quite stan

he come from?" s

ever want to see her

ded impulsively: "I am sorry I have seen her again; I never could bear her

me a great deal of harm. There came a time when I almost hated her. Whether her ey

ng and looks nice

midday meal between twelve and one, and afterwards Kitty, who said she felt a little tired, went to lie down. Florence, however, was still

her," thought Florence; "I can make myself much more disagreeable to her and much

and her daughter should spen

er for supper," said the little Mummy, holding out a bait which would have quite won th

an have a walk after tea, but just for the present I must be alon

od in the porch

obstinate as a mule. Even that trouble of long ago has not tamed her. She is the i

aterial and a large black shady hat. Florence came nearer and nearer. The girl, who was reading a book, dropped it and gazed in her direction. Presently Florence found hersel

e said. She held out both her hands, utt

e the outstretched han

e said; "I knew you were her

m her forehead, then she looked full at Florence and uttered a laugh. "What is the good of quarrelling?" she said.

ng about my prospects? Why do you trouble

ss Keys; "were you not com

s silent fo

," she said, "and I was restle

, with a laugh. "Well, now that we have met, we may as well t

e. "I have never heard of you-I have never mentioned your n

remember the day," she said thoughtfully. "It seemed a bad day for me, and yet it was a goo

don

be called a fine young woman. If you had had the advantages of a refined life, of very good dress, y

Florence; "you always were queer and rude

a Keys, and she glanced at her exquisitely-cut pink

lso eyed h

e said; "but what of that

t say that you are well got up, and your face, if it has

elongs to me, not to you," reto

am doing now: how I am man

f you prefer not to say anything,

was not my fault. I did what I could for you. If I was clever then, I am still more clever now. I have a gift of writing, but I need not wear my

you mean? W

the 'Crown and Gart

rence, in a qu

Have not you guessed! Mrs.

ce, springing to her feet. "Aunt

rs; I write her letters; I attend to her business; she consults me about everything. She goes where I like;

?" said Florence, i

my talent, as he calls it. I believe he would be very sad if I were not there; he is much more likely to go

ling and turning pale; "but if

a, "but she does not know, and

won't; but-bu

Now you have to understand. I have long felt that I must come to an understanding with you. You must keep silence. If you speak you will do very little good, but it is

to marry him?" sai

coloured v

If you put Mr. Trevor against me, if you put Mrs. Aylmer against me, it will be all the worse for yourself; b

red her face-her cheeks were crimson. "I hate you!

ke things uncomfortable for me. I guessed that you would be coming here about now, and Mrs. Aylmer, Mr. Trevor, and I came to the