Scenes and Characters

Chapter 25

THE THIRTIETH OF JULY

'The heir, with roses in his shoes,

That night might village partner choose.'

The 30th of July was bright and clear, and Phyllis was up early, gathering flowers, which, with the help of Jane's nimble fingers, she made into elegant little bouquets for each of her sisters, and for Claude.

'How is this?' said Mr. Hawkesworth, pretending to look disconsolate, 'am I to sing "Fair Phyllida flouts me," or why is my button-hole left destitute?'

'Perhaps that is for you on the side-table,' said Lily.

'Oh! no,' said Phyllis, 'those are some Provence roses for Miss Weston and Marianne, because Miss Weston likes those, and they have none at Broomhill. Redgie is going to take care of them. I will get you a nosegay, Frank. I did not know you liked it.'

She started up. 'How p