The Time of Roses
ed and looked at her; then, satisfied with what she saw or fancied she s
ful way: she will protect me for her own sake. The girl who could stoop to deceit, who could use my assistance to gain her own ends six ye
ettily-shod foot over the other, and looked out across
id. She rose as sh
Sit down again. We h
that low, almost heart-broken voice. Then, all of a s
k to me, Bertha," she s
ows it is dead and buried deep enough unless you choose to dig it out of its grave. Le
" said Florence; "that is the only th
his morning," continued Bertha. "S
oth recogn
It is you whom I dread. You and your mother between you can do me harm; but, after all, even at your very worst I may not be deprived of
mer-that Aunt Susan is staying
r has written her a note asking her to call to
want to
or, stay," continued Bertha briskly, "I will see her myself." She thought for a
ou to-morrow morning here, Florence, and then you can tell me what you decide. It will be all the better fo
even bidding her good-bye: her heart was in a tu
feel that she was in her present position. She disliked
the dreadful past. Oh, I was a wicked girl; but she helped
cottage she resolved to tell her exactly
ed her lesson: the little Mummy will tell
he house Mrs. Aylmer w
ry, came forward wit
appearance. Your mother has had a note from her. She is staying at the 'Crown and Garter,' and Mrs.
ey," replied Florence.
headache, my dear?" a
I have," ans
ou can have it in the porch. It's a lovely evening. It don't do for girls
ame downstairs. She was refreshed by her sleep and inclined to be m
t anything?" asked the companion. "Oh, I suppose it is abo
s afternoon," continued Florence. "Where do you think s
then she added, before Florence could utter a word: "I am afraid I don't g
hands as she spoke. "I believe she is my evil genius. I quite dread her, and she has a power over me,
N
h Aunt Susan Aylme
tled by the news that
!" she
e has been with Aun
I have seen of your aunt, she is one of the m
r tone; "but anyhow, she is very much afraid of me: she doe
will you
ed at the pre
t to tell her," s
read making Bertha a greater
o tell her," replied Kitty. She lo
re you I would never do a crooked thing, or think a crooked thought; but
f her just now. Take your tea