“I knew this was to be my last day, thank you,” said Rhoda composedly. She smiled to herself as she wrote her receipt. She half thought of mentioning her visit to Leyton, but she refrained. There was not a touch of spitefulness in Rhoda’s nature, and she had no wish to humiliate Pauline; but the humorous side of the situation was thoroughly enjoyed by her. Rose went on arranging her flowers in silence for a minute or two after Rhoda went away; then she spoke rather constrainedly. “Why do you dislike poor Miss Sampson so, Pauline? Do you know that you were quite unkind to her?” “Was I? It is necessary to keep that sort of girl at arm’s length; she would become intolerable if you didn’t. Thank goodness, we have seen the last of her. Now, come and sit down here and have a talk. What shall we do this afternoon, Rose? Only two more days! What do you want to do most?” “Clare and Lady Desborough are coming back to tea,” suggested Rose, with a laugh. “You are not very hospitable, Pauline. And to-morrow we shall be busy all day. My time will soon be over, won’t it? Do you know, Aunt Lucy has asked Miss Sampson down to Woodcote again to-morrow, Pauline? I wonder if she has found out that she is related to Cousin Lydia’s husband. I don’t see what Aunt Lucy can want her for.” “Poor relations are a great nuisance,” said Pauline sharply. “It is foolish of your aunt to have anything to do with her. But don’t let us talk of Sampson, Rosie; let us talk of ourselves. Suppose for a moment that you were going to stay with me through the summer, just let us plan what we would do.” Rose shook her head. “It would be too tantalising, Pauline. I shall spend the summer at Woodcote. I know exactly what I shall be doing every hour of the day, and every day of the week, and every week of the month. But don’t let us talk of it. Let us talk of the concert last night. Wasn’t it wonderful? I wish Tom had been there; he would have understood better why Laura’s singing irritates me. Pauline, I must get some good music lessons somehow. Do speak to Aunt Lucy about it on Friday. You are quite right; I am wasting my time as it is.” CHAPTER VI. PAULINE’S DIPLOMACY. When Rhoda got home that morning, she found that Mrs. M’Alister had already begun to pack. Ned was to go to Plymouth almost at once, and Mr. Price was anxious that his sister and the younger boys should return with him on the following Saturday. Little Hugh was to stay at Leyton for the present; Rhoda was to bring him down when she came for her holiday in August.