Among others came Miss Annabella Powder. This young lady had not been wont to seem so fond of Hazel's society as the other members of her family; indeed she rarely made her appearance at Chickaree more frequently than civility demanded. To-day, however, she made a long visit. It was not that she seemed to be enjoying herself; she went languidly through a prolonged conversation with Mrs. Coles, who had an endless number of questions to ask about the winter, and especially about her pretty sister Mrs. Charteris; with a latent view to supplemental information also about Rollo and his wife, if such were to be had. Annabella answered at random, made Mrs. Coles desperate, was bored; and yet did not go away. At last she seized a chance and moved to a seat beside Hazel. It was at a time when several other people were present and just then engaged more or less with each other and a common subject. Annabella had never been intimate with Hazel. Therefore it was the more noticeable when with depressed voice and somewhat hurried emphasis she said, 'I want to speak to you—I want to say a word.—How can I?' 'In this window—' said Wych Hazel leading the way. 'They are miles deep in Miss Burr's engagement.' In the window was a most beautiful hyacinth. The two ladies stood, one on this side and one on the other side, and spoke,—not about floriculture. 'I have no time here,' Annabella began breathlessly, bending down to put her nose to the beautiful buff bells, which were sweet enough at a greater distance. 'I want to see you alone, Mrs. Rollo. You were always so kind—When can I? I have a great deal to say. Could you go and drive with me by and by? I don't know what other way—' 'It must be to-morrow, then,' said Hazel, straightening the stick which supported the heavy head of flowers. 'To-day I am promised to Mrs. Coles.' 'To-morrow, then? You are so kind, Mrs. Rollo!—and you are the only person—At three o'clock, then? and I will come in mamma's carriage. You wont speak of it?' 'I never give such promises,' said Wych Hazel. 'But'—Annabella's eye went anxiously to Mrs. Coles. 'Discretion is stronger than bonds.' 'And you are very discreet?' said the girl trying to laugh. 'Well, I must trust you. But don't let any one know you are going out with me!' The next day Mrs. Coles was engaged to luncheon with a friend and took Primrose with her. They had not returned when Miss Powder came for Hazel, and the two ladies drove off in security. It was not a day for a pleasure drive. Clouds hung low and grey; the air had been keen and raw, with snow in its course somewhere. Now it had become suspiciously milder. But neither lady was thinking of pleasure.