"But I told you none would grow for me, madam."
"They won't grow except in their own soil. Good-bye,—when shall I have a chance of seeing you again?"
"I cannot have you troubled to come out so early on my account," Ralph answered. "If you will leave word at the gate, appointing your own time, I will be here. You have been very kind, madam, and I feel it deeply; but do not mistake me, I do not promise to be ruled by what you and Mr. Cloudesley may advise."
"Yet we may talk it over with you. Good-bye then, Mr. Trulock. I will leave a message for you."
As May hurried away, she heard Mrs. Short calling her. She stopped, and that worthy dame actually followed her, cold as it was.
"You've sat a long time with Trulock," said she. "I hope, ma'am, that he was civil?"
"Civil!" said May, laughing. "Oh dear, yes, Mrs. Short. I like Mr. Trulock very much indeed. Good morning, for I have sat so long with him that I must hurry home now."
Mrs. Short retired to her house, much disgusted.
"After all I've told her, not to tell me one word of what passed between 'em! I could see that she cried,—but the winders is so small! It's very ill-natured of her; and if I did right I'd never tell her another thing!"