Page:Maud Howe - A Newport Aquarelle.djvu/232

 roses was broken, and the blossoms were trampled into the ground. She stooped to pick up one of the faded flowers, and saw a crumpled newspaper lying close at hand.

"How careless people are!" she ejaculated, and was just stooping down to pick up the paper when she heard wheels on the gravel driveway, and looking round saw Charles Farwell's trap coming up at a quick pace. He drew up the horses at the sight of her, and, giving his reins to the servant who had come out at the sound of the wheels, joined Gladys on the lawn.

"What brings you out and up at this hour, Gladys? it is not eight o'clock yet," were his first words, while he looked anxiously into her face.

"Why, I might ask the same question of you, Cid. How are you? I am so glad to see you."

"I forgot that I had not spoken to you before. Have you seen Mrs. Fallow-Deer this morning—or anybody else?"