e likes
the Pink best; and I promised her that if ever the Pink had a little
kit of her own she should have it. Mrs. Ellsworthy didn't say a word
about being horrid, and proper, and waiting until you are spoken to. I
won't go to Shortlands if I have to behave like that, I won't,"
concluded spoiled Daisy, pouting her lips.

Jasmine bent forward and kissed her. "You may do just what you like,
darling little Eyebright," she said.

"Oh, Miss Martineau, really Mrs. Ellsworthy is not at all what you
picture her. I should say she was the kind of lady who likes a real
romp. Anyhow, she does not at all want people to be stiff with her.
Daisy, and she, and I were as jolly as possible until Primrose came
downstairs, and I suppose Primrose agreed with you, and thought it was
manners to be formal. But, poor dear, she did not like it a bit. We
three were having such a chatter before Primrose came. She is going to
show me all her conservatories to-morrow, and she took a great fancy
to my carnations. I promised her some slips. Oh dear! oh dear! who is
that knocking at the hall door? Daisy, run and peep from behind the
curtain, and let me know."

Daisy started off on the instant, and returned in a moment with the
intelligence that Mr. Danesfield, the manager of the bank, was
standing on the steps, and that his face was very red.

On hearing this intelligence poor Miss Martineau's face also became
suffused with a deep flush, and she pushed her poke bonnet a little
backward in her excitement. An awful idea had suddenly darted through
her brain.

Perhaps Mr. Danesfield had called to announce some misfortune. Perhaps
the two hundred pounds was lost; perhaps there was no balance at the
bank!

When the good gentleman was ushered into the room she glanced at him
mysteriously, and even while he was shaking hands with Jasmine and
Daisy, began letting fall short, but mysterious sentences--

"Mrs. Ellsworthy has called--_much_ pleased--inclined to take them up.
They are to spend to-morrow at Shortlands." Mr. Danesfield raised his
eyebrows, pulled Daisy to stand between his knees; and, staring at
Miss Martineau over his gold-rimmed glasses, said--

"Eh! eh!--Shortlands--Ellsworthy's--worthy folk!" here he laughed,
pleased with his pun; "yes, Miss Martineau, a good opportunity,
undoubtedly!"

At this moment Primrose came into the room, and Miss Martineau,
judging that she might best serve her cause by retiring from the scene
of action,