The Green Casket, and other stories. Molesworth Mrs.

to go to the roots of things, it was my fault for having left it about. I said so to my lady.'

      'Oh dear, Cousin Ellen, I'm sure no one could ever think you to blame,' said Ruth. 'Indeed, indeed, I will try to be careful.'

      Her tone was rather melancholy still. Mossop looked at her with a little smile.

      'I'm much mistaken if you won't be hearing something in a day or two that'll cheer you up. But I mustn't tell you about it.'

      And Ruth could not persuade her to say more.

      CHAPTER III. – THE OLD CABINET IN THE PASSAGE

      The very day that Ruth was crying about the broken basin, a conversation which concerned her, though she little knew it, was going on a good many miles away.

      In a pretty room in a large country-house – a much larger and 'grander' house than the Towers, a lady, sweet and young, was lying on a sofa. In front of her stood a little girl – a pretty little creature of eight or nine. She had a bright expression usually, but just now she seemed uncomfortable and ill at ease. She fidgeted from one foot to the other, and frowned as she looked down, and her face was flushed.

      'Tell me, Flossie,' said the lady. 'You're quite old enough to explain. Why don't you want to go to grandmamma's? I should feel so happy about you with her while I am away, and then papa and I will come to fetch you when I am quite strong again.'

      'Mayn't I go with you, mamma?' said the child.

      Mrs. Vyner shook her head.

      'No, dear, it is impossible. You must either go to grandmamma's or stay here with Miss Kelly. And if you don't go to the Towers, I must tell grandmamma that you don't want to go.'