ure enough, and was looped across his broad chest.

"The very first thing he will say will be that 'it is a very fine day,'"
nodded Miss Priscilla, stitching away faster than ever, "and the next,
that 'the peaches are doing remarkably well,'--now mark my words, Mr.
Bellew." As she spoke, the Sergeant wheeled suddenly right about face,
and came striding down towards them, jingling imaginary spurs, and with
his stick tucked up under his remaining arm, very much as if it had
been a sabre.

Being come up to them, the Sergeant raised a stiff arm as though about
to salute them, military fashion, but, apparently changing his mind,
took off the straw hat instead, and put it on again, more over one ear
than ever.

"A particular fine day, Miss Priscilla, for the time o' the year," said
he.

"Indeed I quite agree with you Sergeant," returned little Miss Priscilla
with a bright nod, and a sly glance at Bellew, as much as to say, "I
told you so!" "And the peaches, mam," continued the Sergeant, "the
peaches--never looked--better, mam." Having said which, he stood looking
at nothing in particular, with his one hand resting lightly upon
his hip.

"Yes, to be sure, Sergeant," nodded Miss Priscilla, with another sly
look. "But let me introduce you to Mr. Bellew who is staying at
Dapplemere." The Sergeant stiffened, once more began a salute, changed
his mind, took off his hat instead, and, after looking at it as though
not quite sure what to do with it next, clapped it back upon his ear, in
imminent danger of falling off, and was done with it.

"Proud to know you, sir,--your servant, sir!"

"How do you do!" said Bellew, and held out his hand with his frank
smile. The Sergeant hesitated, then put out his remaining hand.

"My left, sir," said he apologetically, "can't be helped--left my
right--out in India--a good many years ago. Good place for soldiering,
India, sir--plenty of active service--chances of promotion--though
sun bad!"

"Sergeant," said Miss Priscilla, without seeming to glance up from her
sewing, "Sergeant,--your hat!" Hereupon, the Sergeant gave a sudden,
sideways jerk of the head, and, in the very nick of time, saved the
article in question from tumbling off, and very dexterously brought it
to the top of his close-cropped head, whence it immediately began,
slowly, and by scarcely perceptible degrees to slide down to his
ear again.

"Sergeant," said Miss Priscilla again, "sit down,--do."

"Thank you mam," said