Miriam did not seem to hear. She had caught sight of a carriage nearing their gate, and hurried out to receive Dr. Jasper and Serena, who, she perceived, were its occupants.
These good friends were soon told of the good fortune that had come to the Lakeside family, and responded to the tidings with hearty congratulations and good wishes.
A good deal of lively, cheery chat followed, and for a short space Miriam seemed as gay as the rest, but erelong Serena noticed an expression of deep sadness steal over her speaking countenance, when for a moment the stream of talk had drifted past her, and she was unaware that any eye was regarding her.
“Miriam, my dear, won’t you invite me into your garden to look at your roses?” Serena asked, with one of her winsome smiles.
“Certainly; I shall be delighted to show them,” Miriam answered, a bright, pleased look taking the place of the former sorrowful one, as she rose and led the way. “The doctor may come, too, if he likes.”
“No, no, he mayn’t! I want you to myself for a little while,” said Serena, laughingly. “Please just stay where you are, Alonzo, and do your best to entertain Mrs. Heath and Mr. Ronald.”
Roses of many beautiful varieties formed a prominent feature of the flower-garden at Lakeside. Serena went about among them exclaiming, admiring, asking questions in regard to names and the proper treatment for bringing them to perfection, but in the midst of it all turned suddenly upon her friend with the query, “What’s the matter with you, my dear? Why are you sad now, when delivered from your tormentor and provided with a small fortune over and above what it will take to clear off the mortgage that has given you so much anxiety and heartache?”
“Why do you think me sad, Mrs. Serena?” returned Miriam, with playful look and tone, though a bright blush mantled her cheek.
“Oh, I have eyes,” was the laconic answer.
“And do they tell you I am sad?” asked Miriam, smiling brightly.