ed and looked at her; then, satisfied with what she saw or fancied she s

ful way: she will protect me for her own sake. The girl who could stoop to deceit, who could use my assistance to gain her own ends six ye

ettily-shod foot over the other, and looked out across

id. She rose as sh

Sit down again. We h

that low, almost heart-broken voice. Then, all of a s

k to me, Bertha," she s

ows it is dead and buried deep enough unless you choose to dig it out of its grave. Le

" said Florence; "that is the only th

his morning," continued Bertha. "S

oth recogn

It is you whom I dread. You and your mother between you can do me harm; but, after all, even at your very worst I may not be deprived of

mer-that Aunt Susan is staying

r has written her a note asking her to call to

want to

or, stay," continued Bertha briskly, "I will see her myself." She thought for a

ou to-morrow morning here, Florence, and then you can tell me what you decide. It will be all the better fo

even bidding her good-bye: her heart was in a tu

feel that she was in her present position. She disliked

the dreadful past. Oh, I was a wicked girl; but she helped

cottage she resolved to tell her exactly

ed her lesson: the little Mummy will tell

he house Mrs. Aylmer w

ry, came forward wit

appearance. Your mother has had a note from her. She is staying at the 'Crown and Garter,' and Mrs.

ey," replied Florence.

headache, my dear?" a

I have," ans

ou can have it in the porch. It's a lovely evening. It don't do for girls

ame downstairs. She was refreshed by her sleep and inclined to be m

t anything?" asked the companion. "Oh, I suppose it is abo

s afternoon," continued Florence. "Where do you think s

then she added, before Florence could utter a word: "I am afraid I don't g

hands as she spoke. "I believe she is my evil genius. I quite dread her, and she has a power over me,

N

h Aunt Susan Aylme

tled by the news that

!" she

e has been with Aun

I have seen of your aunt, she is one of the m

r tone; "but anyhow, she is very much afraid of me: she doe

will you

ed at the pre

t to tell her," s

read making Bertha a greater

o tell her," replied Kitty. She lo

re you I would never do a crooked thing, or think a crooked thought; but

f her just now. Take your tea