t said coldly, "All right."

"I thought you might like another frock," said Mrs. Rowles, "so I have
been making one for you out of a gown of my own; and here are two new
print aprons, and I've put a fresh ribbon on your hat. You are quite
set up now, my dear."

"I suppose," said Juliet without thanking her aunt, "that them things
are good enough for going to service."

"Oh yes, quite good enough--if you should happen to hear of a little
place to suit you. Don't you like them?"

"They are right enough," said Juliet.

Then Mrs. Rowles turned and went away, wondering that so young a girl
should be so hard, and totally unsuspicious of the resolve which was
in that young hard heart.

It was a resolve which could not be put in execution at once; Juliet
must needs wait for a favourable opportunity. Two days went by and she
did not find one; then came a letter from her mother saying that if
Juliet could find a situation in the country it would be better than
coming back to overcrowded London, where young girls in swarms were
looking out for means of earning their livings. Mrs. Mitchell said
little more; all were pretty well except baby, who was always poorly.

Juliet now considered that she had got a sort of permission from her
mother to do what she wished to do. She thought she could defy her
uncle and aunt if they found any fault with her actions.

The eventful moment arrived.

Mrs. Rowles and Emily had gone to the village to buy a few things for
the lodgers who were expected shortly. Mr. Rowles was busy at the
lock; Philip was going to take out the _Fairy_ for her first trip
after her repairs.

Juliet came down from the attic. She wore her new-made frock, her
re-trimmed hat, and carried a parcel containing the print aprons. Phil
did not notice what she wore or what she carried.

"Take me in the boat, Phil," she said coaxingly.

"I thought you had had enough of the boat," he replied.

"But you will be in it, this time."

"Oh, I don't want you," said the boy.

"Well, then, just set me down on the opposite bank."

"I don't mind doing that; but you may have to wait a long time before
I come back for you."

"All right," said Juliet; "I don't care how long you are."

She stepped into the _Fairy_, and sat quite still while Philip rowed
her to the far-off bank. Then she got out very gravely, and sat down
on the grass until he was out of sight.

Fields came down to the water's edge. Where Juliet sat there was