"Well, Kiddie, dear! I was running off to town like a coward, but at the last moment I was obliged to come up for a word. It's hard lines for you, dear, and I want you to know that it's hard lines for me, too! The country won't be half so jolly as if we'd all been together. I'll miss you _badly_, little lass!" "_Don't_! I'll howl. _Don't_ make me howl!" pleaded Darsie hastily, the tight feeling about her eyes and lips giving place to an alarming weepiness at the sound of the tender words. "If you really care, father, couldn't you--couldn't you possibly refuse?" Mr Garnett shook his head. "No! That's settled. We talked it over, mother and I, and agreed that it must be done. It's a duty, dear, and we can't shelve duties in this life. I'm sorry for you in your disappointment, and only wish I could help, but in this matter no one can help but yourself. You can do a lot if you try. Shall I tell you, Darsie, how you could get over your regret, and turn your visit to Arden into something far more agreeable than you can now imagine?" Darsie cocked an eye at him, suspicious and hesitating. He was going to preach! She knew the symptoms of old, and by way of counter-action put on her most dour and sullen expression. "Um!" "Very well, then, here it is! Turn your back on the might-have-been, and try with all your might to like what _is_! Aunt Maria will, I know, be all that is kind and indulgent--in her own way! It won't be _your_ way, however, and that's the rub. If you begin your visit in a spirit of irritation, I'm afraid you are going to have a pretty poor time, but if you try to enjoy every little thing that comes along out of which enjoyment can be squeezed and to _laugh_ at the rest, to laugh instead of to cry--well, it's astonishing how the scene will change! Do you think you could try?" Darsie pouted, sulky and unconvinced. "Were _you_ resigned when you were fifteen?"