one cottage she thought very pretty--indeed, they had both fallen in
love with it; it had a quaint old porch, smothered in jasmine.

'That is Vineyard Cottage, where my friends the O'Briens live,' replied
Audrey, only half deceived by this smooth account.

It was clear that Mr. Blake wished her to think that only purest
accident had guided his feet in the direction of Brail; but Audrey was
sharp-witted, and she knew Mollie had a tongue; it would be so natural
for her to say, 'Miss Ross is going to see some old friends at
Brail--she told me so; but it is so hot that she will not go until after
tea.' Once before she had been sure that Mollie's chattering had set Mr.
Blake on her track. She must be more careful how she talked to Mollie
for the future.

But here Cyril, who was somewhat alarmed at her gravity, and who half
guessed at her thoughts, began to speak about Mollie in an anxious,
brotherly manner that restored Audrey at once to ease.

'So you see all the difficulty,' he continued after he had briefly
stated the facts; 'and I should be so grateful if you could help me to
any solution. I ought to apologise for troubling you, but I know you
take such an interest in Mollie.'

'I do indeed,' she returned cordially, and in a moment every trace of
constraint vanished from her manner; 'and, to tell you the truth, Mr.
Blake, I have felt rather anxious about her lately. Even my mother has
noticed how far from strong she looks.'

'But that is because she is growing so fast,' he replied, unconsciously
repeating Mrs. Blake's words. 'You see, Miss Ross, my mother absolutely
refuses to part with Biddy. I have argued with her again and again, but
nothing will induce her to send the old woman away. She also declares
that she cannot afford another servant, so what is to be done?' and
Cyril sighed as though he had all the labours of Hercules before him.

Audrey looked at him very kindly; she was much touched by this
confidence. How few young men, she thought, would have been so simple
and straightforward! There was no false pride in the way he mentioned
their small means and homely contrivances; he spoke to her quite
frankly, as though he knew she was their friend, and as though he
trusted her. It was the purest flattery, the most delicious homage he
could have offered her. Audrey felt her sympathy quicken as she
listened.

'I would not trouble about it just now,' she observed cheerfully--'not
until the vacation is over. Mol