"We have altered the garden a good deal--I hope you don't mind. You know, it was very confined and old-fashioned, with its prim box hedges, and those quaint things that looked like animals cut out in box at each corner." "And the sundial--you haven't destroyed that, have you!" "If you mean that queer stone in the centre--well, yes, we have turned the whole garden into a tennis lawn. It is so delightful. If you could only come and see it." "Some day, perhaps. Thank you very much." Angela turned again, to Marcia. "Do run up and put on your things. I know you can be spared quite well. I want a whole day in the woods. We can catch the next train to Hurst Castle, and my little pony trap is waiting. Be quick, Marcia, be quick." Marcia flew from the room. Now indeed was Clara's chance. "I hope you're not hurt, Miss St Just," she began. "If I'd known even for a single moment that you valued those things--" "Thank you," said Angela, "I value their memory. Of course the place is no longer ours, and you have the right to do as you like with your own." "Then you think we did wrong? You, who know so much better." "I will try not to think so; but don't ask me about Court Prospect. Let us forget that you live there." "Then you won't come to see us? We are so anxious to know you." "How kind of you," said Angela sweetly. "What a hot day this is; don't you find it so?" "Well, yes; but at Court Prospect it is much cooler." "Of course; you are more in the country." Angela wondered when Marcia would be ready. "We are going to the seaside," continued Clara. "Of course, we cannot stand this great heat. I want to take one of the Aldworth girls with me; but Marcia--I mean Miss Aldworth, your friend--doesn't seem to approve of it." "They couldn't leave home very well just now. The one who ought to go is Marcia herself." "Indeed, yes. How sweet of you to confide in me. Don't you think she is looking very pale?" "She has suffered a good deal. I am most anxious that she should have a fortnight or so at Hurst Castle." "What a rapturous idea," thought Clara. "If only I could bring it about. What wouldn't I give to spend some days at Hurst Castle! If only that girl would get me to help her." "But why won't she go?" said Clara. "It seems quite easy. Mrs Aldworth has three daughters of her own, and there is the nurse. I think she could." "I quite agree with you," said Angela, and just then Marcia came into the room. "I am ready," she said. "I am ever so sorry, Miss Carter, it does seem rude, but we shall miss our train." "Marcia, Miss Carter and I have been having quite an interesting conversation about you. We both think you need a change, and Miss Carter thinks with me that your mother could be left with her own girls and the nurse." The colour came into Marcia's cheeks. "We can talk of that in the train," she said. "Good-bye, Miss Carter. Shall I call Nesta to you?"