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