tray whether you were listening with pleasure or indifference. You had
not a mood of gay or grave that was not reflected in his face; and
one day I remember, when I remarked on the capricious changes of his
spirits, he said, 'Don't blame me; I am what she makes me: the happiest
or the most miserable fellow breathing.' 'Well,' replied I, 'I fancied
from your good spirits it was some pleasant tidings the post had brought
you.' 'No,' said he, 'it was this;' and he drew a violet from his
pocket, and showed it to me. I suppose you had given it to him."

"I dropped it, and he wouldn't give it back. I remember the day." And,
as she spoke, she turned her head aside, but her sister saw that her
cheek was crimson. Then suddenly she said, "How was it that you had such
confidences together? I'm sure that, knowing my engagement, you must
have seen how improper it was to listen to such nonsense on his part."

"I couldn't help it, Florry; the poor fellow would come to me with his
heart almost breaking. I declare, there were times when his despair
actually terrified me; and having heard from Aunt Grainger what dreadful
passions these Calverts give way to--how reckless of consequences--"

"There, there, dear, spare me that physiology of the race of Calverts,
of which I have gone through, I hope, every imaginable feature. To poor
Aunt Grainger's eyes the dragon of the Drachenfels is a mild domestic
creature in comparison with one of them." There was a jarring vibration
in her sister's tone, that told it were safer not to prolong the
discussion, and little more was said as they walked towards the house.
At last Florence stopped short, and, pointing to the window of the
room lately occupied by Calvert, said, "Joseph will dislike all those
climbing creepers there, Milly; he hates that sort of thing. Let them be
cut away."

"If you wish it, dearest; but is it not a pity? Only think of all the
time and pains it cost to train that jessamine--"

"Oh, if they have such tender memories for you, let them remain by
all means; but I think it will be quite as well not to tell Joseph the
reasons for which they were spared."

Though the speech was uttered in irritation, Emily affected to hear it
without emotion, and said, "It was Harry's own desire that we should not
speak of him to Joseph, and I mean to obey it."

CHAPTER XVI. A LOVERS' QUARREL

IN course of time Loyd arrived at the villa. He came tired and worn out
by a fatiguing journe