Flora, on her part, was troubled concerning the distrust which she felt must be excited by her mysterious position, and she was continually revolving plans to clear herself from suspicion in the eyes of her new friend.  It would have been an inexpressible consolation if she could have told her troubles to her elder sister, from whom she had never concealed anything till within the last few weeks.  But, alas! by the fault of another, a barrier had arisen between them, which proved an obstruction at every turn of their daily intercourse; for while she had been compelled to despise and dislike Gerald, Rosa was always eulogizing his noble and loving nature, and was extremely particular to have his slightest wishes obeyed.  Apart from any secret reasons for wishing to obtain money, Floracita was well aware that it would not do to confess her visit to Mrs. Delano; for Gerald had not only forbidden their making any acquaintances, but he had also charged them not to ride or walk in the direction of either of the plantations unless he was with them.

Day after day, as Flora sat at work upon the garlands she had promised, she was on the watch to elude his vigilance; but more than a week passed without her finding any safe opportunity.  At last Gerald proposed to gratify Rosa’s often-expressed wish, by taking a sail to one of the neighboring islands.  They intended to make a picnic of it, and return by moonlight.  Rosa was full of pleasant anticipations, which, however, were greatly damped when her sister expressed a decided preference for staying at home.  Rosa entreated, and Gerald became angry, but she persisted in her refusal.  She said she wanted to use up all her shells, and all her flosses and chenilles.  Gerald swore that he hated the sight of them, and that he would throw them all into the sea if she went on wearing her beautiful eyes out over them.  Without looking up from her work, she coolly answered, “Why need you concern yourself about my eyes, when you have a wife with such beautiful eyes?"’

Black Tom and Chloe and the boat were in waiting, and after a flurried scene they departed reluctantly without her.

“I never saw any one so changed as she is,” said Rosa.  “She used to be so fond of excursions, and now she wants to work from morning till night.”

“She’s a perverse, self-willed, capricious little puss.  She’s been too much indulged.  She needs to be brought under discipline,” said Gerald, angrily whipping off a blossom with his rattan as they walked toward the boat.

As soon as they were fairly off, Flora started on a second visit to the Welby plantation.  Tulee noticed all this in silence, and shook her head, as if thoughts were brooding there unsafe for utterance.

Mrs. Delano was bending over her writing-desk finishing a letter, when she perceived a wave of fragrance, and, looking up, she saw Flora on the threshold of the open door, with her arms full of flowers.