drey contentedly, when Biddy had
gone down to see after the tea. She had enjoyed her afternoon far more
than if she had been paying those calls with Geraldine. 'I always liked
this room so much;' and she gave a touch to the big Japanese screen and
flecked some dust from the writing-table. 'I daresay your mother will
alter the position of the furniture--people always have their own ideas.
But I hope she will not move the couch; it stands so well in that
recess. Do you think she will like this little table in the window,
Mollie? I am sure this would be my favourite seat;' and Audrey took it
for a moment as she spoke, and looked down at the old arches and the
quiet courtyard, with its well-worn flagstones. The martins were
twittering about the eaves; some brown, dusty sparrows were chirping
loudly. The ivy-covered buildings round the corner were just visible;
and a large gray cat moved stealthily between the arches, intent on some
subtle mischief. Mr. Charrington's boys were all on the cricket-field,
watching an exciting match between Rutherford and Haileybury, and the
school-house was deserted.

'That must be your seat when you come to see us,' observed Mollie
affectionately. 'Mamma was only saying this morning that she had taken a
fancy to you, and hoped you would come very often; and Kester said he
hoped so, too, because you were so very kind.'

'Did you have many friends at Headingly?' asked Audrey absently.

She was wondering to whom Kester was talking. She could hear his voice
through the open window; it sounded bright and animated. It could not
possibly be his brother; Mr. Blake would be with the boys on the
cricket-field. Perhaps Mrs. Blake had returned from town.

'We had no friends at all,' returned Mollie disconsolately; 'at least,
no real friends. People just called on us and left their cards. Mrs.
Bryce was very kind to Kester, but mamma never got on with her. We none
of us liked Headingly much, except Cyril. Everyone was nice to him, but
when mamma fretted and said she was miserable, and that no one in the
place cared for her, he seemed to lose interest, too; and when this
vacancy occurred, he just said he had had enough of it, and that mamma
would be happier in a fresh place, and so we came here, and now we have
found you;' and Mollie's brown eyes were very soft as she spoke.

'Oh, you will find plenty of people to like at Rutherford,' replied
Audrey. 'You have not seen my mother yet, Mollie; she is so g