g, I hate obvious compliments!"
cried Mollie irritably. She was surprised to realise how irritable she
felt. "I only told you because it was mean to let poor Uncle Bernard
get the blame." She paused, and over her face flashed one of those
sudden radiant changes of expression which were so fascinating to
behold. Her eyes shone, her lips curled, a dimple dipped in her cheek.
"But he _did_ give it to me--he gave me more than I asked--carte
blanche, to spend as much as I liked! Next Tuesday morning as ever is,
we are going up to town to shop with Mrs Thornton as assistant. Think
of it! Think of it! Oxford Street, Regent Street, Bond Street--just to
look in at all the windows in turn, and buy what one likes best.
Hats,"--two eager hands went up to her head--"dresses"--they waved
descriptively in the air--"coats; fripperies of all descriptions,
delicious blouses for every occasion, and evening-dresses!--oh, chiffon
and lace and sequins, and everything that is fascinating! I've never
had anything but the most useful and long-suffering garments, though I
have yearned to be fluffy, and now I shall be as fluffy as I can be
made! Think of me, all in tulle and silver gauze, with a train yards
long, all lined with frills and _frills_ of chiffon!" cried Mollie
ecstatically, tilting her head over her shoulder, and pushing out her
short skirt with a little slippered foot as if it were already the train
of which she spoke.

"Indeed, I will think of you! I wish I could do more than think; I
should like to see you into the bargain. It is hard lines that I have
to leave before the exhibition opens."

"Oh, pray don't pose as an object of pity! Whose fault is it that you
are leaving at all?" retorted Mollie quickly. "You have made up your
mind to go, and it's a matter of pride with you that nothing or nobody
shall prevent you. My poor fineries would be a very weak inducement;
but you will have to reckon with Uncle Bernard before you get away, and
I don't think he will be easy to oppose."

Jack Melland straightened himself, and his nostrils dilated in
characteristic, high-spirited fashion.

"When I make up my mind I never give way," he said slowly.

Mollie tossed her head defiantly.

"So you say; but there is something even stronger than will, Mr
Melland."

"And that is--"

"Fate!" cried Mollie dramatically.

The blue eyes and the brown met in a flashing glance; then the girl
dropped a demure curtsey, and ran lightl