"Ah, but spring is on the way," said her mother, and she saw a sudden glow on Juliet's face.
Three weeks later, at the end of February, came a burst of real spring weather. The air was mild, the sunshine brilliant; everywhere there was the mysterious breathing forth of new life and hope which makes that season like none other.
One morning, as she dressed, Juliet spied some primroses in the garden, and ran out to pick them ere she took her breakfast.
Her mother was reading a letter, but looked up from it as Juliet laid the primroses beside her on the table, saying—
"See, mother, the first primroses! Spring is really coming."
"Spring is come when the primroses appear," said Mrs. Tracy. "I call it spring now, and so does someone else. See, I have a note from Mr. Mainprice. He is at Preston, and will be here this afternoon."
Juliet started; she grew red, and then pale. She moved to the French window, and opening it, stood in the opening, with her back towards her mother, as if she felt a sudden need for air. Then she said tremulously—
"It is not well that he should come."
"He will come," said her mother, "and you will have to give him your answer again. Oh, Juliet! When the hand of God brings you this great happiness, will you refuse it? Will you let pride and self-will mar your life again?"
"Again! Oh, mother!" Juliet strove to speak steadily. "If—if I thought this was God's way for me—"