"Father likes James."
"But if he didn't allow this, you wouldn't go against him?"
"No; but I don't mean to be interfered with. You are not to speak to father, Narcissus. I can manage my own affairs."
Narcissus was silent, her eyes filling with tears. She had said as much as she dared, and they talked of other matters,—not with any great gusto. Marigold was not exactly vexed, but she seemed under constraint; and after a while they were both glad to go back to the nursery and to the children.
At seven o'clock punctually, Marigold said good-bye; and Narcissus, watching her departure from the window of the nursery-bedroom, saw her joined by a big man, as she crossed the little piece of common near.
"Oh!" Narcissus uttered mournfully. "It is—"
"'Tis what?" asked Nurse's voice in her rear.
Narcissus turned to see if any one else were present.
"It's that man, James Todd. He was waiting among the bushes on the common, and he's walking home with Marigold."
"Then you think there's something in it?"