s Martineau
was most kind-hearted, and would have done anything for the three
girls, whom she dearly loved, only, like many another good-hearted
person, she would wish to do that anything or something in her own
way.

"Good evening, Hannah," she said, as the old cook opened the door;
"you have had a sad affliction--a terrible affliction. I hope the dear
young ladies are--" Miss Martineau paused for a word, then she
said--"tranquil."

"Oh yes, miss," answered Hannah. "Walk in, please, Miss
Martineau--this way--the young ladies is hoping you'll take a cup of
tea with them, miss." Miss Martineau found herself the next instant in
one of the most cheerful sitting-rooms to be found at Rosebury--it had
always been a pretty room--furnished daintily with the odds and ends
of rich and choice furniture which had belonged to Mrs. Mainwaring in
her wealthy days. Now it was bright with flowers, and the western sun
poured in at one angle of the wide bay window. The three girls, in
their very simple black dresses, with no crape, came forward in a
little group to meet her. In their hearts they were slightly excited
and upset, but rather than give way they put on an air of extra
cheerfulness. Miss Martineau, fond as she was of them, felt absolutely
scandalized--to keep her out of the house for a whole month, and then
to admit her in this fashion--such a lot of sunlight--such a heap of
flowers, no crape on the black dresses, and Jasmine's face quite
bright and her hair as curly as usual. Miss Martineau began a little
set speech, but Jasmine interrupted her.

"Do come, and have some tea," she said. "Primrose has made some
delicious cream-cakes, and we are all so hungry, aren't we,
Eyebright?" turning to her little sister as she spoke.

"Yes," replied Daisy; "Pink is hungry, too--I chased Pink about fifty
times round the garden, and she's quite starving. May Pink have some
cream in a saucer for her tea, Primrose?"

Primrose nodded, took Miss Martineau's hand, and led her to the place
of honor at the table, and sitting down herself, began to pour out the
fragrant tea.

If Miss Martineau had a weakness, it was for really good tea and for
cream-cakes. She took off her gloves now, arranged her bonnet-strings,
put back her veil, and prepared to enjoy herself. Instead of talking
common-place condolences, she chatted on little matters of local
interest with the sisters. Jasmine took care to supply Miss Martineau
with plenty of cream-cakes