was a serious one,
from the quiet, unquestioned care of a schoolgirl, to the
guardianship of a bright, full-winged butterfly of humanity.
That does not half express it. For to the airy uncertainty of
butterfly motions, his ward certainly added the intense
activities of a humming bird, and the jealous temper, without
the useful proclivities, of a honey bee. I think Mr. Falkirk
likened her to all these in his meditations; and his brows
knit themselves into a persistent frown as he walked. For all
that, when the wheels of Mme. Lasalle's carriage grated on the
gravel sweep, Mr. Falkirk sat down to the table and the
newspaper, and as Wych Hazel opened the door and walked in,
Mr. Falkirk looked up sedately. Then his face unbent, a very
little, but he waited for her to speak.

'Good evening, my dear Mr. Falkirk!' Mr. Falkirk was not
morose, but he made little answer beyond a smile.

'I perceive you have been pining for my return, sir,' said
Miss Hazel advancing airily; 'but why you do not revive when I
come, _that_ puzzles my small wits. Are you overjoyed to see me
safe home, Mr. Falkirk?'

'I wait to be certified of the fact, Miss Hazel.'

She came to a low seat before him, silently crossing her arms
on her lap.

'What are the developments of fortune, to-day, Miss Hazel?'
said her guardian with a relaxing face.

'A number of gentlemen, sir, and one fish. Which I caught.
There were some ladies, too, but they came less in my way.'

'Um! So I understand you catch all that come in your way?'

'Only the fish, sir. But you should have heard the people
thereupon! One cried, "Happy fish!"--and another, "Happy Miss
Kennedy!"--And yet I suppose we had both of us known more
ecstatic moments.'

'And what is your impression of fishing parties, judging from
this specimen?'

'O, I was amused, of course. But the brook was delicious. You
know, it was all new to me, Mr. Falkirk.'

'Like the fairy-tale you wanted?' said her guardian smiling.

She smiled, too, but her answer was only a sweet, 'Are you
glad to see me here, sir?'

'I am glad if you are glad, Miss Hazel. I did not suspect that
any genie or enchanter had got hold of you yet.'

'Only "if," ' she said to herself. 'I wonder how it feels to
have anybody care for one very much!' But no word of that came
out.

'Are _you_ glad to get home, Miss Hazel?'

'Yes, sir. The drive was rather stupid.'

'Did you come alone?'

'I had Madame in person, and with her all the