Jasmine and Daisy became quite merry. An indiscriminating observer
would have said: "How shocking to hear such merry laughter--their
mother has only been dead a month." But Mrs. Ellsworthy had far too
kind a heart to do these children such an injustice. She knew that the
dark lines under Jasmine's bright eyes were caused by the passion of a
great grief; but she also knew that with such a nature sunshine must
follow storm. Daisy in the midst of her play, too, began suddenly to
cry.
"What is the matter, my little one?" asked the lady of the house. The
child put her arms round her neck, and whispered through sobs: "I am
so happy now; but I know I'll be miserable bye-and-bye. I'll want so
badly to tell mamma about you, and mamma won't be there."
Primrose was also serenely happy--she was glad to hear her sisters'
laughter, and she liked to walk about the beautiful place, and to feel
the soft summer air on her cheeks.
The village of Rosebury lay low; but Shortlands stood on rising
ground, and the more bracing air did Primrose good. When she saw how
happy Mrs. Ellsworthy made her sisters she forgave her for not calling
on her mother.
Mr. Ellsworthy took a good deal of notice of Primrose, and showed her
some of his pet books, and talked to her in a sensible grown-up way.
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