could expect
a poor little flapper of fifteen to be anything but fire and flame!

Wet days were the great trial--those drizzling, chilly days which have a
disagreeable habit of intruding into our English summers. Darsie,
shivering in a washing dress, "occupying herself quietly with her
needlework" in the big grim morning-room, was in her most prickly and
rebellious of moods.

"Hateful to have such weather in summer! My fingers are so cold I can
hardly work."

"It is certainly very chill."

"Aunt Maria, couldn't we have a fire? It would be _something_ cheerful
to look at!"

"My dear!" Lady Hayes was apparently transfixed with amazement. "A
fire! You forget, surely, the month! The month of August. We never
begin fires until the first of October."

"You'd be much more comfortable if you did."

There being no controverting the truth of this statement, Lady Hayes
made no reply. But after the lapse of a few minutes she volunteered a
suggestion.

"There is a grey Shetland shawl folded up under the sofa rug. You had
better put it over your shoulders, since you feel so cold."

"_I_?" Darsie gave an impatient laugh. "Fancy me wrapped up in a
Shetland shawl! I'd sooner freeze."

Lady Hayes dropped her eyelids and tightened her lips. Her manner
pointed out more eloquently than words the fact that her guest was
wanting in respect, but as hostess it was her duty to consider the
comfort of her guest, so presently she rang the bell and gave
instructions that a cup of hot cocoa should be served at eleven o'clock
instead of the usual glass of milk. She herself was never guilty of the
enormity of eating between meals, so that the listener knew perfectly
well for whose benefit the order was given, but being at once cold,
lonely, and cross, her heart was hardened, and she spoke no word.

Between that time and the appearance of James with the tray Aunt Maria
made three successive attempts to open new topics of conversation, which
were each time checkmated by monosyllabic replies. There was a tone of
relief in her voice, as of one hailing a much-needed assistance, as she
said briskly--

"Now, my dear, here is your cocoa! Drink it while it is hot. It will
warm you up."

"Thank you, I don't drink cocoa. It makes me sick."

There was a moment's silence. James stood at attention, tray in hand.
Lady Hayes tightened her lips, and the little red lines on her cheeks
turned a curious bluish shade. Then she clear