'Oh, Rose, you _are_ a girl! You see, you are quite safe not to lose it, for my uncle would be only too glad to pay it back, even if I came to grief any way, and it would make it all slick smooth. I would go to Liverpool straight off, and cross in the first steamer, and the thing's done. And can you get at it at once with nobody knowing?' 'Yes, I think so,' said Rose. 'My father asked to see my book when first I came home, and he is not likely to do so again, till I can explain all about it, and I am sure it cannot be wrong.' 'Wrong--no! Right as a trivet! Rose, Rose, if ever that poor child sees his father and mother again, it is every bit your doing! No one can tell what I think of it, or what my uncle and aunt will say to you! You've been the angel in this, if Ida has been the other thing!' But Rose found difficulties in the way of her angelic part, for her father addressed her in his most solemn and sententious manner: 'Rose, I have always looked on you as sensible and discreet, but I have to say that I disapprove of your late promenades with a young man connected with the aristocracy.' Rose coloured up a good deal, but cried out, 'It's not that, papa, not that!' 'I do not suppose either you or he is capable at present of forming any definite purpose,' said Mr. Rollstone, not to be baulked of his discourse; 'but you must bear in mind that any appearance of encouragement to a young man in his position can only have a most damaging effect on your prospects, and even reputation, however flattering he may appear.' 'I know it, papa, I know it! There has been nothing of the kind, I assure you,' said Rose, who during the last discourse had had time to reflect; 'and he is going away to-morrow or next day, so you need not be afraid, though I must see him or send to him once more before he goes.' 'Well, if you are helping him to get some present for his sisters, I do not see so much objection for this once; only it must not occur again.' Rose was much tempted to let this suggestion stand, but truth forbade her, and she said, 'No, papa, I cannot say it is that; but you will know all about it before long, and you will not disapprove, if you will only trust your little Rose,' and she looked up for a kiss. 'Well, I never found you not to be trusted, though you are a coaxing puss,' said her father, and so the matter ended with him, but she had another encounter with her mother. 'Mind, Rose, if that churching--which Sunday was enough for any good girl in my time--is only to lead to walking with young gents which has no call to you, I won't have it done.' Mrs. Rollstone was not cultivated up to her husband's mark, neither had she ever inspired so much confidence, and Rose made simple answer, 'It is all right, mamma; I have spoken to papa about it.' 'Oh, if your pa knows, I suppose he is satisfied; but men aren't the same as a mother, and if that there young Mr. Morton comes dangling and gallanting after you, he is after no good.'