mother; nevertheless I was half mad all the same, for I know who has persuaded her to this.” “Do you? Who?” “Mr. Rayner. Haven’t you noticed how he has been steadily getting round my mother for the last few weeks, till he rules her as surely as she rules my father? I’ve watched him, and tried to put her on her guard; but I am no match for him. I wondered what he was doing it for; now I see.” “But I don’t, Laurence. Why are you so prejudiced against Mr. Rayner--when he has been so kind to me too? What should he persuade her to go away for?” Laurence looked at me earnestly. “To get me away.” “To get you away? Why should he do that?” Laurence began to speak, but got very red, and stopped. “He doesn’t like me, Violet, and he doesn’t want me to have you.” “Oh, indeed you are mistaken, Laurence! He has often praised you.” “Yes; that is his cunning. But I tell you he would stick at nothing to prevent my marrying you; and as long you are under his roof I shall never know a moment’s peace,” said he excitedly. “He is a bad man--” “Oh, Laurence, you shouldn’t say that! I know him better than you do, and I know that he is goodness and kindness itself.” “Violet, you are no wiser than a child. How can you see the way he treats his wife, and yet call him good?” “His wife! Ah, I know all about that, but--I must not tell you. Indeed he is not cruel to her, as you think, Laurence. I know all about it; I do indeed.” “Well, then, since I must say it, what do you think of the way he treats you? Doesn’t he show he cares for you more than for her? Can’t you see that he is making love to you?” “Laurence!” cried I, aghast. “How dare you say such a thing? What have I done that you should think so ill of me as to think I would let a man who is married make love to me? How could you tell me you loved me, thinking that? I will never speak to you again.” I turned sharply from him, and was back in the field among the people before he could stop me. Tea was being given to the children, and I went to help; but the enjoyment of the day was gone. In a dazed state I was still handing about cake, too miserable and excited to know quite what I was doing, when Lady Mills and Mr. and Mrs. Rayner came up to me. This lady, who had charmed me so much, had in return taken a fancy to me, and had begged Mr. and Mrs. Rayner to let me go home with her to stay until Monday; and they had consented. At another time this invitation would have made me half mad with delight, but now it seemed only to overwhelm me with terror at the thought of going among so many strangers. However, they sent me home to prepare what things I wanted, and told me to make haste.