her flowers were watered; for Audrey had a pretty
sitting-room of her own. Molly soon cheered up as Audrey recapitulated
these privileges; she was young enough to be soon consoled. She readily
agreed with Audrey that her mother would enjoy wandering about the
Woodcote gardens; they would bring their books and work, and sit under
the trees on fine afternoons.

'Cyril has been making mamma promise to begin Roman history with me,'
continued Mollie; 'he was so shocked when he found out I knew nothing
about Romulus and Remus. Was it quite true about the wolf, Miss Ross? I
thought it sounded like a fable. Oh, do you know,' interrupting herself
eagerly, 'I want to tell you something--Kester said I might if I liked:
he has got two new suits of clothes.'

Audrey left off packing, and looked at Mollie in some surprise.

'Did you say two suits, my dear?'

'Yes. Is it not nice, Miss Ross? But Cyril said he positively could not
do with less than two--a rough suit for every day, and a better one for
Sundays. I don't think Kester ever had two whole suits before. Mamma was
pleased, but she thought it a little extravagant of Cyril. And he bought
him boots and ties, oh, and other things beside!'

'How very good of him!' and Audrey felt a warm glow of pleasure. She
longed to question Mollie, but she prudently forebore: it was no
business of hers if Mr. Blake chose to get into debt; for where could he
have got the money? But her curiosity was soon to be satisfied; Mollie
was dying to tell the whole story.

'You would say so if you knew all,' she returned, with a mysterious air;
'mamma does not know yet. I am afraid when she finds out she will be
terribly vexed: she does so hate Cyril to go without things. I think she
would almost rather let Kester be shabby than see Cyril without----Oh, I
was just going to bring it out!'

Audrey took no notice. She was folding a dress, and the sleeves were
giving her some trouble.

'Kester never said I was not to tell,' went on Mollie, as though arguing
with herself. 'I don't know why I stopped just now. Miss Ross, have you
ever noticed what a beautiful watch and chain Cyril wears?'

This was too much for Audrey.

'You don't mean to say that your brother has sold his watch?' she asked,
so abruptly that Mollie stared at her.

'No, not his watch; he could not do without one; but he said the chain
did not matter--a steel guard would answer the purpose quite as well.
But it was such a lovely chain