Yet in a sense it made her life the simpler, for she was still at that difficult stage when it is easier to stand still than to go forward.  She saw Green when he came to the house, but they had not been alone together since the morning on the shore when her love had betrayed her.  She had a feeling that he was biding his time.  He had promised to be patient, and she knew he would keep his promise.  Also, his time, like hers, was very fully occupied.  Till the holidays came he would not have much liberty, and in her secret soul Juliet was thankful that this was so.  For the present it was enough for her to hold this new joy close, close to her heart, to gaze upon it only in solitude,—­a gift most precious upon which no other eyes might look.  It was enough for her to feel the tight grasp of his hand when they met, to catch for an instant the quick gleam of understanding in his glance, the sudden flash of that smile which was for her alone.  These things thrilled her with a gladness so strangely sweet that there were times when she marvelled at herself, and sometimes, trembling, wondered if it could possibly last.  For nought in life had ever before shone so golden as this perfect dream.  The very atmosphere she breathed was subtly charged with its essence.  She was absurdly, superbly happy.

“I believe this place suits you,” the squire said to her once.  “You look years younger than when you came.”

She received the compliment with her low, soft laugh.  “I am—­years younger,” she said.

He gave her a sharp look.  “You are happy here?  Not sorry you came?”

“Oh, not in the least sorry,” said Juliet.

He nodded.  “That’s all right.  You’ve done Vera a lot of good.  She’s getting almost docile.  But as soon as this flower-show business is over, I want you to use all your influence to get her away.  We’ll go North and see if we can get a little strength into her.”  Again he looked at her shrewdly.  “You won’t mind coming too?”

“But of course not,” said Juliet.  “I shall love it.”

He was on his way out of the room, but a sudden thought seemed to strike him and he lingered.  “Shall I make Green come to the flower-show with us?” he asked.

“I shouldn’t,” said Juliet quietly.  “He probably wouldn’t have time, and certainly Mrs. Fielding wouldn’t want him.”

He frowned.  “Would you like him?” he asked abruptly.

“I?” She met his look with a baffling smile.  “Oh, don’t ask him on my account!  I am quite happy without a cavalier in attendance.”

And Fielding went out, looking dissatisfied.  But when the day arrived and they were on the point of departure he surprised them both by the sudden announcement that Green was to be picked up at the gates.  It was a Saturday afternoon, and for once he was at liberty.

“Oh, really, Edward!” Mrs. Fielding protested.  “Now you’ve spoilt everything!”

“On the contrary,” smiled the squire.  “I have merely completed the party.”