Miss Merivale's Mistake

st at once, and Mr. Price was anxious that his sister and the younger boys should return with him on the following Saturd

d in the new arrangements. Much as it grieved her to part with Rhoda, she could not help looking forward with delight to going back to the dear old farmhouse in which her childhood had b

ked her to come early and spend the day, but she had written to explain how i

in the golden afternoon sunlight. Rhoda thought with a thrill of w

was tremulously surprised at her greeting. She kissed her, and even when they sat

," she said. "I did not quite understand yo

d by the yearning kindness in Miss Merivale's eyes, "Mr. Price wishes me to stay here. It is not a

could bear. She spoke without turning round. "I see they are carrying the tea into the garden. Let us go out. I though

cote; but she saw how strange such a wish would seem, both to Rhoda and to Tom and R

managed to get back early, and he strolled into the garden just as they sat down to t

le's pale face as she saw him. It

both enthusiasts about a garden, and found it intensely interesting to compare notes. After tea, To

t the wood looking for the violets, just like two children. She leant back in her chair, closing her

reature. Mrs. M'Alister had a jealous pang or two as sh

udden fancy to you, that's clear enough; but it mightn't last. She might take a fancy t

returned Rhoda stoutly. "Hasn't she a sweet, kin

ght, and you will hear what he says. He has heard of a firm that wants a lady-clerk. We think you'd better try for it, Rho

for any money I wanted. But I don't think I shall want any. Miss Merivale said again this afternoon that she would be able to get me as much work as I could do

Rose came home to arrange it. However much she surprised Rose and Tom, however difficult it would be to explain why she wanted Rhoda, Rhoda must come to her. She could not lea

at afternoon, and that there was no need for Tom to come to London. It was at Pauline's instigation Rose had written the letter. Those few charmed days in the little flat had made Rose more pass

be given up then, if I cannot get anyone to share it with me. Lady Desborough only took it till the end

with the air of a martyr. "Aunt Lucy looked heartbroken when I aske

housand times better for her. She won't have missed you this time as much as you fe

ose said piteously. "I might get away for

ll let you be free when she understands how much you want it. For a week or so, I mean,"

er, she would look so miserable about it I should not like to take her at her word. But

Rose's cause with Miss Merivale. Tom had bought a new pony which he wanted Rose to see, and they went aw

calfe said about your music, Rose," she said. "

Tom, when they got outside. "I

se, with dignity. "Pauline and I went to tea t

ath," returned Tom in the light, bantering tone which so often ir

ampson for Clare. She heard of her through some agency. What has made Aunt Lucy t

you seen

e, I thought. But I can't imagine wh

hould take a great interest in her. She is coming down again next week to stay for a day or two

r without waiting to get an answer. But Rose had no answer ready. The tone in which Tom had spoken took

off to his own den, and when Rose entere

your aunt as anxious as you are about your music. She wants you to spend two months with me in London. Two whole long, lovely months! Think of it, Rosamunda mia! And you can come next week. It is far,

t go. Aunt Lucy could

to her, and you will find it is so. Miss Sampson is to come here as her compani

uline, don't look at me like that! It is so sudden. And Aunt Luc

e quivering; her face had the stricken look of one who has received a

d be too lovely. But it is so sudden. I can't believe

ter altogether. I did my best for you; but I see I was mistaken in thinking that you really cared

with you. If I could be certain Aunt Lucy would not fret for me, I should be only too delighted to

with an effort she controlled her temper, and spoke the next words in a different tone. "Miss Merivale seem

that to her?" cried Rose, the

hat she really wants it. You won't make difficulties, Rose? Can't you see it is best for both of you to be apart for a time? Your aunt

ll her aunt that she did not want to go and stay with Pauline-that she had never really thought of leaving her. She expected to be clasped and fondly kissed fo

ou get the best. And you have been looking pale lately. You want a change; I know it has been dull for you. And I should like to have Rhoda here for a time. I have just been talking to Tom about it. He thinks it an excellent pl

went downstairs again with a sore heart. She was like those who pluck Dead Sea apples,