She noticed one huge mottled one of crimson and yellow that lorded it over all the others . `` That dahlia , '' she said , pointing to it , `` is exactly like Norman Douglas . It might easily be his twin brother . '' Ellen 's dark-browed face flushed . She admired the dahlia in question , but she knew Rosemary did not , and that no compliment was intended . But she dared not resent Rosemary 's speech -- poor Ellen dared not resent anything just then . And it was the first time Rosemary had ever mentioned Norman 's name to her . She felt that this portended something . `` I met Norman Douglas in the valley , '' said Rosemary , looking straight at her sister , `` and he told me you and he wanted to be married -- if I would give you permission . '' `` Yes ? What did you say ? '' asked Ellen , trying to speak naturally and off-handedly , and failing completely . She could not meet Rosemary 's eyes . She looked down at St. George 's sleek back and felt horribly afraid . Rosemary had either said she would or she would n't . If she would Ellen would feel so ashamed and remorseful that she would be a very uncomfortable bride-elect ; and if she would n't -- well , Ellen had once learned to live without Norman Douglas , but she had forgotten the lesson and felt that she could never learn it again . `` I said that as far as I was concerned you were at full liberty to marry each other as soon as you liked , '' said Rosemary . `` Thank you , '' said Ellen , still looking at St. George . Rosemary 's face softened . `` I hope you 'll be happy , Ellen , '' she said gently .
`` Oh , Rosemary , '' Ellen looked up in distress , `` I 'm so ashamed -- I do n't deserve it -- after all I said XXXXX you -- '' `` We wo n't speak about that , '' said Rosemary hurriedly and decidedly .
Ellen Rosemary at if in like of over that to