"Well, then, that is all right; but if you require any assistance you have but to call one of the gardeners, there are sure to be plenty about. Now off you go, all three; forget the old man, and enjoy yourselves as happy girls should." As Sir John spoke he gave his arm with old-fashioned courtesy to Mrs. Clavering, and the two turned away. "Now, is not this just like dear Sir John?" said Kitty, beginning to dance about. "Come, girls, I'll have greatest pleasure in taking you about." "I am surprised to hear that you know all about Cherry Court Park," said Florence, in a somewhat cross voice, but then she remembered herself and made an effort to smile. "I have been here twice before," said Kitty. "What do you say to having a row? Mary, what do you wish?" "If you will allow me to do exactly what I like," said Mary, "I don't want anyone to guide me; I want to wander here, there, and everywhere just at my own sweet will. I have brought my little sketch-book with me, and mean to sketch some of these splendid old trees. Mother is so fond of outdoor sketches, and I could seldom indulge her with anything so fine as I could get in an old place like this. Just go off where you please, girls, and don't bother about me." Off ran Mary on her sturdy legs, and Florence looked after her with a laugh. "Poor Mary," she said, in a contemptuous tone. "Why poor?" asked Kitty; "I think Mary is such a downright, jolly, sensible sort of girl." "Oh, very downright and sensible," said Florence. "Kitty, do you really want to go in the boat?" "Not if you don't want to go," said Kitty, looking somewhat anxiously at her companion. "But I see you do; I notice the expression in your eyes." "Well, it's very sweet in the boat, it does soothe one so; the last time I was there it was with father; but never mind, I won't go if you would rather not. Shall we sit under this tree and talk?" "Yes, let us," said Florence. "I feel very cross to-day; I don't exactly know what is the matter." "I wish you would tell me some of your troubles, Flo." "How can I; you are my enemy." "Nonsense, nonsense! how can you regard me in that light? You make me quite miserable when you talk as you do." "And I meant to be amiable to-day," said poor Florence, "but somehow everything grates. It is Aunt Susan. Kitty, you cannot understand my position. I have to be civil and pleasant to one whom I--but there, don't talk of it." "I don't quite understand; I wonder if you feel for your Aunt Susan as I feel for Helen Dartmoor." "The lady you are to live with if you lose the Scholarship?" "Yes," replied Kitty, sadly. "You had better make up your mind to like her then, Kitty, for you will have to live with her." "Why do you say that?" "Only that I mean to get the Scholarship, and I think my will is stronger than yours." "It is not a case of will," said Kitty, trembling a little as she spoke.