Jasmine and Daisy were young for their years, but Primrose was old,
and she liked to ask practical questions. Had she known Mr. Ellsworthy
a little better she might have even consulted him as to the best way
of laying out thirty pounds per annum, so as to cover all the expenses
of three girls who wished to live as ladies; but she was both shy and
reserved; and when Mr. Ellsworthy, goaded on by certain looks from his
wife, referred to the subject of money, Primrose started aside from it
like any frightened young fawn.
The day, the happy day for all three, passed only too quickly, and it
was Mrs. Ellsworthy at last who determined to plunge boldly into the
heart of the subject which was uppermost in her thoughts.
"Primrose," she said, taking the elder sister aside, "you must forgive
me for speaking plainly to you, dear. I call you Primrose, because you
do not seem to me altogether a stranger, and my husband knew your
father. I may call you Primrose, may I not, love?"
"Please, do," said Primrose, with that sweet smile which came only
rarely to her quiet face; "I like it--it is my name. When people say
Miss Mainwaring I feel--lonely."
"You are Primrose, then, to me, dear.
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