been lent
To youth and age in common--discontent.'

MATTHEW ARNOLD.

Audrey was very busy the next morning unpacking and settling a hundred
things with her mother and Mrs. Draper. She had fully expected that
Mollie would have made her appearance at her usual time; but when the
luncheon-hour arrived, and still no Mollie, she felt a little perplexed.
Kester had entrusted her with numerous messages, and she had now no
resource but to go herself to the Gray Cottage and deliver them. Audrey
was never touchy, never stood on her dignity as most people do; but the
thought did cross her that for once Mollie had been a little remiss.

'I would so much rather have seen her at Woodcote,' she said to herself,
as she walked quickly down the High Street. Mrs. Ross was going up to
Hillside to look after Geraldine, and Audrey had promised to join her
there in an hour's time. 'I never can talk comfortably to Mollie at the
Gray Cottage; Mrs. Blake always monopolises me so.'

But Audrey carefully refrained from hinting, even to herself, the real
reason for her reluctance. She had a curious dread of seeing Mr. Blake,
an unaccountable wish to keep out of his way as much as possible; but
not for worlds would she have acknowledged this.

She opened the green gate, and Zack bounded out to meet her with his
usual bark of welcome; but no Mollie followed him, only Biddy, looking
more like a witch than ever, with a red silk handkerchief tied over her
gray hair, hobbled across the passage.

'The mistress and Miss Mollie are in the drawing-room,' she said,
fixing her bright hawk-like eyes on Audrey. 'And how is it with
yourself, Miss Ross?--you look as blooming as a rose before it is
gathered. It is a purty compliment,' as Audrey laughed; 'but it is true,
and others will be telling you so, Miss Ross, avick.'

Audrey blushed a little, for there was a meaning look in the old woman's
eyes. Then she ran lightly upstairs; the drawing-room door was half
open, and she could hear Mollie's voice reading aloud; 'Pompey and
Pharsalia' caught her ear; then she gave the door a little push, and
Mollie's book dropped on the floor.

'Miss Ross! oh, Miss Ross!' she exclaimed half hysterically, but she did
not move from her place.

It was Mrs. Blake who took Audrey's hands and kissed her airily on
either cheek.

'My dear Miss Ross!' she exclaimed, in her soft, impressive voice, 'this
is almost too good of you. I told M