iss Ross? Mamma sometimes shows me his letters--she
always did, you know--but somehow they seem so different. I wonder
sometimes if she notices the change in them; but she never says so. He
does not want her to come up to London--one can see that so plainly--he
keeps begging her to be patient, and give him time to settle things. But
you know mamma: she is always in such a hurry--she never can wait for
anything,' finished Mollie, in her artless way.

Audrey suppressed a smile. Mrs. Blake's children certainly read her
truly; but with all her faults they loved her well. Perhaps Kester had
stood aloof from her most; but Mollie had always been devoted to her
mother.

'You will miss the country, of course,' went on Audrey cheerfully; 'but
London has its charms. You must get your brother to take you in the
parks and Kensington Gardens; you must tell him that you and Zack want
exercise, and then he will not refuse.'

'Mamma will walk with me,' returned Mollie disconsolately. 'She is very
fond of crowded streets and shops; she will want me to go with her, and
then we shall be obliged to leave Zack at home, for fear he should be
lost. Oh, I know all about it!' continued Mollie, with a sigh. 'I shall
be far too tired to walk with Cyril, even if he asked me; but he would
not, because he knows mamma would be hurt: she always likes him to ask
her.'

'Never mind,' replied Audrey, changing the subject abruptly. 'Remember,
Mollie, we can only do our best for people, and leave all the rest. I am
sure that in a thousand ways you will be a comfort to them. You have
always been their thoughtful little housekeeper, and you can be that
still. You can keep the place bright and cheery, and make it look as
home-like as possible. And, Mollie, I want you to do something; but it
is to be a secret between you and me, and no one--no one'--repeating the
word emphatically--'is to know about it.'

And Mollie promised faithfully to hold her tongue.

'Your mother is passionately fond of flowers.' (But Audrey, in her
heart, knew someone else loved them too.) 'I want you to lay out this
prudently and by degrees;' and she slipped a sovereign into Mollie's
hand. 'Flowers are so plentiful in London, and you can always have a
nice fresh bunch for the breakfast-table. I remember your mother once
saying she would go without food to buy flowers. When I think you have
come to an end of the money, I shall send you some more.'

'But if anyone asks me who boug