She had worked as hard on the farm , but it was the close confinement and weary routine that told on her . Mrs. John was exacting and querulous . John was absorbed in his business worries and had no time to waste on his sister . Now , when the summer had come , her homesickness was almost unbearable . The next day Mr. Bell came he handed her a big bunch of sweet-brier roses . `` Here you are , '' he said heartily . `` I took the liberty to bring you these today , seeing you 're so fond of posies . The country roads are pink with them now . Why do n't you get your husband to bring you out for a drive some day ? You 'd be as welcome as a lark at my farm . '' `` I will when he comes along , but I have n't seen him yet . '' Mr. Bell gave a prolonged whistle . `` Excuse me . I thought you were Mrs. Something-or-other for sure . Are n't you mistress here ? '' `` Oh , no . My brother 's wife is the mistress here . I 'm only Jessamine . '' She laughed again . She was holding the roses against her face , and her eyes sparkled over them roguishly .
The vegetable-man looked XXXXX her admiringly .
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