ss we can get along all right
without it."

"Of course we can--splendidly. I'm a famous housekeeper and you'll be
a famous author. There couldn't be a better team. It will bring out
the very best that's in us."

"We can never come to actual want anyway, for my little bit--which, by
the way, Lady Elspeth once took the trouble to impress upon me was
just about enough to pay Mr. Pixley's servants' wages--is in Consols,
and they're not likely to crack up. And my last book brought me about
fifty pounds--"

"It ought to have brought you five thousand. I'm sure it was good
enough."

"Of course it was, but it takes time to work up to the five thousand
point. Some get there, I suppose. But I should imagine more starve off
at the fifty line."

"We could live like princes on a couple of hundred a year in Sark
here."

"It would pall on you in time, I'm afraid."

"You've been here twice as long as I have. Has it begun to pall on you
yet?"

"I don't think it would ever pall on me, if I lived here for a
century. But then I've got my work, you see."

"And I've got you, my dear. When you and Sark begin to pall I'll
promise to let you know. It's heavenly."

"Oh, I don't claim all that, you know. Don't expect _too_ much--"

"Will Charles be involved at all, do you think, Jock?"

"I don't think so. They had not much to do with one another in
business matters."

"I'm glad of that. Do you know"--with an introspective look in her
eyes--"I've an idea--"

"Hennie Penny?"

Margaret nodded.

"That would be capital. She'd make him an excellent wife."

"I'm sure she would. She's just what he needs. She's as good as gold,
and she has more genuine common-sense than anyone I know."

"Thousand thanks!"

"Oh, we're exceptions to all rules. But I do hope something--I mean
everything--may come of it. And we would all have reason to bless this
blessed little island all our days."

"Some of us will, anyway. It certainly shall not go unblest."

IV

On the Tuesday afternoon Graeme received a brief telegram from Charles
Pixley--"Crossing tonight." And Wednesday morning found them all on
the sea-wall awaiting the arrival of the steamer from Guernsey.

"There he is--in the front corner of the upper deck--keen to get here
as soon as possible, I should say. I know just how he feels," said
Graeme, with a laugh. "Looks a bit different from what he did the
first time he came."

"That's Mrs. Pixley on the side seat," said Margaret,