"Played together when we were children, I and Charlotte Travice," she said, laughing; "I have nearly forgotten it. I hope she is a nice girl; it will be pleasant to have her down here." "Mildred, I should like to take you back with me for the day. Will you come? Can you spare her, Betty?" Mildred glanced at her mother, her lips parting with hope; dutiful and affectionate, she deferred to her mother in all things, never putting forth her own wishes. Mrs. Dan could spare her, and said so. Mildred flew to her chamber, attired herself, and set forth with her aunt through the warm and sunny streets--warm, sunny, bright as her own heart. Very much to the surprise of Mrs. Arkell, as she turned in at the iron gates, she saw the carriage standing before the door, and the servant Philip in readiness to attend it. "Is your master going out?" she inquired of the man. "Mr. William is, ma'am." "Where to, do you know?" "I think it is only to Mr. Palmer's," returned Philip. "I know Mr. William said we should not be away above an hour." William appeared in the distance, coming from the manufactory with a fleet step, and a square flat parcel in his hand. "I am going to Mr. Palmer's to take this," he said to his mother, indicating the parcel as he threw it into the carriage; "it contains some papers that my father promised to get for him as soon as possible to-day. He was going to send Philip alone, but I said I should like the drive. You have just come in time, Mildred; get up." The soft pink bloom mantled in her face; but she rather drew away from the carriage than approached it. She _never_ went out upon William's invitation alone. "Why not, my dear?" said Mrs. Arkell, "it will do you good. You will be back in time for dinner." William was looking round all the while, as he waited to help her up, a half laugh upon his face. Mildred's roses deepened, and she stepped in. Philip came round to his young master. "Am I to go now, sir?" "Go now? of course; why should you not go? There's the back seat, isn't there?" Perhaps Philip's doubts did not altogether refer to seats. He threw back the seat, and waited. William took his place by his cousin's side, and drove away, utterly unconscious of _her_ feelings or the man's thoughts. Had he not been accustomed to this familiar intercourse with Mildred all his life?