They went off together, and Miss Merivale could hear their eager, happy
voices as they searched about the wood looking for the violets, just like
two children. She leant back in her chair, closing her eyes. For the
moment the ache at her heart was stilled. She was hoping that all might
yet come right.

Rhoda went home that evening feeling like a different creature. Mrs.
M'Alister had a jealous pang or two as she listened to her account of the
happy time she had had.

"Don't you trust too much to her promises, child," she said anxiously.
"She's taken a sudden fancy to you, that's clear enough; but it mightn't
last. She might take a fancy to somebody else next week, and forget all
about you. I have heard of people like that."

"I don't think Miss Merivale is a bit like that," returned Rhoda stoutly.
"Hasn't she a sweet, kind face, Aunt Mary? I wish she didn't look so ill."

"Don't rest your hopes on her too much," repeated Mrs. M'Alister, shaking
her head gloomily. "James will be in again to-night, and you will hear
what he says. He has heard of a firm that wants a lady-clerk. We think
you'd better try for it, Rhoda. I'd like to see you settled before we go
away. I've been wishing and wishing this afternoon that you could go with
us."

"You mustn't say that to Mr. Price, Aunt Mary," Rhoda said quickly. "You
know how it vexes him. And he is very kind. You heard him tell me that I
was to ask him for any money I wanted. But I don't think I shall want any.
Miss Merivale said again this afternoon that she would be able to get me