e,
and now they flout me for it."

But her unexpected appearance in public had another and most surprising
result.

About a week after the concert, when the excitement was lessening and
the preparations for Bella's wedding were beginning to take its place,
Mrs Greenways was sent for to the Rectory--Mrs Leigh wished to speak
to her.

"I shouldn't wonder," she said to her husband before she started, "if it
was to ask what Bella'd like for a present. What'd you say?"

"I shouldn't wonder if it was nothing of the kind," replied Mr
Greenways. "More likely about the rent."

But Mrs Greenways held to her first opinion. It would not be about the
rent, for Mrs Leigh never mentioned it to her.

No. It was about the present; and very fitting too, when she called to
mind how long her husband had been Mr Leigh's tenant. To be sure he
had generally owed some rent, but the Greenways had always held their
heads high and been respected in spite of their debts.

On her way to the Rectory, therefore, she carefully considered what
would be best to choose for Bella and Charlie. Should it be something
ornamental--a gilt clock, or a mirror with a plush frame for the
drawing-room? They would both like that, but she knew Mrs Leigh would
prefer their asking for something useful; perhaps a set of tea-things
would be as good as anything.

These reflections made the distance short, yet an hour later, when, her
interview over, Mrs Greenways reappeared at the farm, her face was
lengthened and her footstep heavy with fatigue. What could have
happened? Something decidedly annoying, for she snapped even at her
darling Agnetta when she asked questions.

"Don't bother," she said, "let's have tea. I'm tired out."

During the meal her daughters cast curious glances at her and at each
other, for it was a most unusual thing for their mother to bear her
troubles quietly. As a rule the more vexed she was the more talkative
she became. It must therefore be something out of the common, they
concluded; and before long it appeared that it was the presence of Lilac
that kept Mrs Greenways silent. She threw angry looks at her, full of
discontent, and presently, unable to control herself longer, said
sharply:

"When you've finished, Lilac, I want you to run to Dimbleby's for me. I
forgot the starch. If you hurry you'll be there and back afore dusk."

CHAPTER TWELVE.

LILAC'S CHOICE.

"A stone that is fit for the wall will not be