st, and played very nicely; it made her quite
happy to think that she could turn her accomplishments to account. And
really the child was so disgracefully neglected--Audrey did not scruple
a bit to use the word 'disgracefully.' It was strange how all her
sympathy was enlisted on Mollie's behalf, and yet she could not like
Mrs. Blake one whit the less for her mismanagement of the girl. On the
contrary, Audrey only felt her interest quicken with every fresh
side-light and detail; she longed to take the Blake household under her
especial protection, to manipulate the existing arrangements, and put
things on a different footing. Biddy should go--that should be the first
innovation; a strong, sturdy Rutherford girl like Rhoda Atkinson should
come in her place. Poor little Mollie should be set free from all but
the lightest household duties--a little dusting or pastry-making; she
should have regular hours for practising, for reading French, even for
drawing. Geraldine was very good-natured, she drew beautifully--Audrey
was quite sure that after a time she might be pressed into the service.
Between herself, Gage, and Kester, Mollie might turn out an accomplished
woman. Dreams, mere dreams, if Mrs. Blake could not be induced to part
with Biddy; and here the thought of the little work-roughened hands gave
Audrey a positive pang.

Mollie, on the contrary, sat and beamed at her young benefactress. She
was that; she was everything perfect in Mollie's eyes. Mollie's cup of
happiness was full to overflowing! to see her dear Miss Ross twice a
week, to be taught by her, to study her beloved music; Mollie's heart
sang for joy: the sunshine seemed to intoxicate her. She was in a new
world--a world with swans and birds and bees in it--full of leafy
shadows and rippling, tiny waves. The kind face opposite her broke into
a smile.

'Well, Mollie, are you tired of sitting here? Shall we go back to the
landing-place?'

'Miss Ross, there is Cyril looking for us!' exclaimed Mollie, almost
beside herself with excitement. 'Yes, do please let us go back; he is
waving to us.' And Audrey paddled across the pond.

Cyril lifted his straw hat rather gravely; but there was restrained
eagerness in his manner as he helped them to alight.

'Mrs. Ross sent me to fetch you,' he said quietly. 'Tea is ready, and
Miss Cardell and her brother are in the drawing-room. Mrs. Ross begged
me to come back with you. Why, Mollie'--with a pleased look--'I should
har