her, the compassion
for Toni.

The moment she had spoken Toni knew what she had done; that besides
losing her temper and behaving in an ill-bred way she had given a handle
to her enemies; and the tears were perilously near her eyes, though
pride forbade her to let them fall.

It was Cynthia Peach who came to the rescue.

"How awfully jolly for your cousin," she said plaintively. "I've always
longed to go into a shop! The girls have such a good time--and they meet
heaps of young men! Not like us poor things who hardly ever see one!"

Her evident sincerity relieved the situation. Her sister might murmur
"Oh, _Toby_!" under her breath, and Lady Martin might sneer, but Mrs.
Anstey patted the speaker's arm with a very kindly smile.

"Poor little Cynthia! I shall have to scour the neighbourhood for young
men and give a party," she said. "I'd no idea you were so forlorn!"

"Well, there aren't many, really," conceded the elder Toby. "And I know
what Cynthia means! That's why she was so pleased to come and sell
flowers!"

"And you are all neglecting your duties shamefully, my dears!" Mrs.
Anstey moved aside to allow a batch of customers to approach the stall.
"I mustn't stay here chattering. You will come and have tea with me,
won't you, Mrs. Rose?" She turned to Toni, who was now as white as one
of her own lilies. "I will look for you at five in the tent--you will be
able to get off by then!"

She smiled kindly at the girl as she moved away. Lady Martin had already
gone, feeling, no doubt, that the weight of public opinion was against
her; and as a rush of business just then overwhelmed the flower-sellers,
Toni had no time to dwell upon the recent little scene.

But Mrs. Anstey looked for Toni in vain when five o'clock came. As a
matter of fact Toni had felt, desperately, that she could not face the
crowded tea-tent, where doubtless she would again meet her enemy, Lady
Martin; and she wanted no tea; she only wanted to be alone for a few
moments, away from prying eyes, unkind tongues, that she might regain
the equilibrium so cruelly upset.

With this end in view she slipped away when the two sisters came back
from their hurried tea; and followed a little path which she knew would
bring her out at a quiet corner of the grounds, where a rickety old
summer-house might afford her the temporary shelter she sought.

There was no one there; and although the entrance to the little hut was
almost choked up with weeds and ta