Volume 2, Chapter V. A WALK IN THE GARDENS. The days glided on, with the younger sisters wondering at the change that had taken place, for everything now seemed to be done with an idea to their comfort. Mr Montaigne called, according to his custom, pretty frequently, and he was quite affectionate in his ways. He and the Honourable Misses Dymcox had long conversations together, after which he used to go, seeming to bless Clotilde and Marie, he was so paternal and gentle--Ruth obtaining, too, her share of his benevolent smiles. Then, after a good deal of waiting, came a time when Clotilde met Glen alone. The latter did not know that he had Dick to thank for the arrangement; but he it was who made the suggestion to Clotilde, by whom the idea was seized at once, and the very next morning she proposed that Marie and she should have a walk in the gardens directly after breakfast. "My head aches a good deal, aunties, and a walk will do it good." Miss Philippa looked at her sister, and Miss Isabella returned the look. "Well, my dears, as it is far too early for anyone to be down from London," said Miss Philippa, "I think you might go, don't you, sister?" "Yes, decidedly," said Miss Isabella; and the young ladies went up to dress, Markes entering the bedroom as they prepared for their walk. "But you two ain't going alone?" said the maid. "Indeed but we are, Markes," retorted Clotilde. "But not without your aunts?" "Yes, of course. How absurd you are!" "Well, things is coming to a pretty pass! I couldn't have believed it if I'd been told." She went out, and, according to her custom, slammed the door, but it was not heeded now; and soon after, with the affectionate kisses of their aunts moist upon their cheeks, the two girls strolled along one of the paths in the direction of the Lion Gate. For a time they were very silent, but at last, after two or three sidelong glances at Marie, Clotilde opened the ball. "Well, dear," she said, "what do you think of it?" Marie remained silent. "For my part," continued Clotilde, "I think it horrible. It's like being sold into a seraglio. I won't have him." "Then why did you accept that bracelet?" exclaimed Marie sharply. "Because it was very beautiful, my dear sister; because I only had a wretchedly common _porte bonheur_; and, lastly, because it was of diamonds, and I liked it." "But it was like telling the man you would have him." "Then why did you accept that pearl ring Lord Henry sent you, sweet sissy?" "For the same reason--because I liked it," said Marie bitterly; "but I've hated myself ever since." "It's a pity they are so old," said Clotilde. "It would be very nice if they were not, for I like the idea of having plenty of good things, and being able to spend as much money as I like. Why, Rie," she exclaimed, "let's have a run through the Maze. We haven't been since we were quite little children." "Nonsense! absurd!"