m to take no count of that at
all. Not that it matters to me."

As she spoke, with the colour rising in her face and a voice very near
tears, the door opened and Lilac came quickly in. The conversation
stopped suddenly, all eyes were fixed on her; perhaps never since she
had been Queen had her presence caused so much attention: even Agnetta
paused in her repast, and looked curiously round to see what she would
do or say.

Without giving a glance at anyone else in the room, Lilac walked
straight up to where Mrs Greenways sat at the head of the table:

"Aunt," she said rather breathlessly, "I've come to say as I've made up
my mind."

Mrs Greenways straightened herself to receive the blow. She knew what
was coming, and it was hard to be humiliated in the presence of the
cobbler, yet she would put a brave face upon it. With a great effort
she managed to say carelessly:

"It don't matter just now, Lilac. Sit down and get your tea."

But Mr Greenways quite spoilt the effect of this speech.

"No, no," he called out. "Let her speak. Let's hear what she's got to
say. Here's Mr Snell'd like to hear it too. Speak out, Lilac."

Thus encouraged, Lilac turned a little towards her uncle and Joshua.

"I've made up my mind as I'd rather bide here, please," she said.

The teapot fell from Mrs Greenways' hands with such a crash on the tray
that all the cups rattled, the air of indifference which she had
struggled to keep up vanished, her whole face softened, and as she
looked at the modest little figure standing at her side tears of relief
came into her eyes. Uncle Joshua and her old feelings of jealousy and
pride were forgotten for the moment as she laid her broad hand kindly on
the child's shoulder:

"You're a good gal, Lilac, and you shan't repent your choice," she said;
"take my word, you shan't."

"And that's your own will, is it, Lilac?" said her uncle. "And you've
thought it well over, and you won't want to be altering it again?"

"No, Uncle," said Lilac. "I'm quite sure now." Her aunt's kind manner
made her feel more firmly settled than before.

"It's a harassing thing is a choice," said Mr Greenways. "I know what
it is myself with the roots and seeds. Well, I won't deny that I'm glad
you're going to stop, but I hope you've done the best for yourself, my
maid."

"Lor', Greenways, don't worry the child," interrupted his wife, who had
recovered her usual manner. "She knows her own mind, and I'm glad