me to do exactly what I like," said Mary, "I don't
want anyone to guide me; I want to wander here, there, and everywhere
just at my own sweet will. I have brought my little sketch-book with
me, and mean to sketch some of these splendid old trees. Mother is so
fond of outdoor sketches, and I could seldom indulge her with anything
so fine as I could get in an old place like this. Just go off where
you please, girls, and don't bother about me."

Off ran Mary on her sturdy legs, and Florence looked after her with a
laugh.

"Poor Mary," she said, in a contemptuous tone.

"Why poor?" asked Kitty; "I think Mary is such a downright, jolly,
sensible sort of girl."

"Oh, very downright and sensible," said Florence. "Kitty, do you
really want to go in the boat?"

"Not if you don't want to go," said Kitty, looking somewhat anxiously
at her companion.

"But I see you do; I notice the expression in your eyes."

"Well, it's very sweet in the boat, it does soothe one so; the last
time I was there it was with father; but never mind, I won't go if you
would rather not. Shall we sit under this tree and talk?"

"Yes, let us," said Florence. "I feel very cross to-day; I don't
exactly know what is the matter."

"I wish you would tell me some of your troubles, Flo."

"How can I; you are my enemy."

"Nonsense, nonsense! how can you regard me in that light? You make me
quite miserable when you talk as you do."

"And I meant to be amiable to-day," said poor Florence, "but somehow
everything grates. It is Aunt Susan. Kitty, you cannot understand my
position. I have to be civil and pleasant to one whom I--but there,
don't talk of it."

"I don't quite understand; I wonder if you feel for your Aunt Susan as
I feel for Helen Dartmoor."

"The lady you are to live with if you lose the Scholarship?"

"Yes," replied Kitty, sadly.

"You had better make up your mind to like her then, Kitty, for you will
have to live with her."

"Why do you say that?"

"Only that I mean to get the Scholarship, and I think my will is
stronger than yours."

"It is not a case of will," said Kitty, trembling a little as she spoke.

"Isn't it? I rather fancy it is. But there, we are to be amiable
to-day, are we not? Look at Mary sitting under that tree and sketching
as if her life depended on it. I wonder if she is really doing it
hoping to please Sir John."

"Not a bit of it; that would not be Mary's way. All the same," added
Kitty,