the daughter or the sister of the man with whom she lived, she was in
reality the mistress of his household, and those who at first slighted
her as the child of a milliner, now gladly paid her homage as one who
was to be the heir of Mr. Browning's wealth. He would never marry her,
the wise ones thought--would never marry anybody--and so, with this
understanding, he was free to talk, walk, and ride with her as often
as he chose. He liked her, the people said, but did not love her,
while Rosamond herself believed he almost hated her, so strangely cold
and harsh was his manner toward her at times.

This coldness had increased of late, and when the Lawries, who, next
to Mr. Browning, were the most aristocratic people in the place,
suggested that she should accompany them for a few weeks to the
Springs, she was delighted with the plan, and nothing doubting that
Mr. Browning would be glad to have her out of the way, she went to him
for his consent. She found him in his library, apparently so absorbed
in reading that he did not observe her approach until she stood
between him and the light. Then he looked up quickly, and, as she
fancied, an expression of displeasure passed over his face.

"Excuse me for disturbing you," she said, rather petulantly; "I have
to break in upon your privacy if I would see you at all."

He gave her a searching glance, and then, laying aside his book and
folding his arms, said pleasantly, "I am at your service now, Miss
Leyton. What is it you wish?"

Very briefly she stated her request, and then sitting down in the
window, awaited his answer. It was not given immediately, and when he
did speak, he said--"Rosamond, do you wish to go?"