her hot, but it has done her good, I am sure--at
least the hot bath and the heat has. Mary thought of it, wasn't it clever
of her?"

"I will take her presently, Miss Faith, while you have your breakfast,"
said Mary, much gratified by the little compliment.

Mr. Carlyle went over to where Audrey stood arranging a few flowers on her
mother's tray. "How dainty!" he said approvingly, "your mother will
appreciate that, dear. She loves pretty, dainty things about her.
I am going over to Abbot's Field to-day," he added, "and I thought I would
call on Mrs. Vivian, and the old gentleman. Will you come with me, to
represent your mother? I think it would be rather pleasant, don't you?"

Audrey coloured with embarrassment. To her the prospect did not seem at
all pleasant. "I--I am afraid I can't, father. I have a lot to do at
home."

Her mind was full of plans for tidying house and garden, and making
everything more presentable. It was a big undertaking, she knew, but she
was full of zeal.

Her father looked disappointed. "Oh well, then, I must go alone.
I thought you would like to meet the young people again--and I think they
still expect you--they were so anxious to see you. But never mind, I will
tell them that you are busy, but are hoping to see them over here one day
very soon. I had better fix a day; will Thursday do?"

"Thursday! so soon!" The suggestion filled her with dismay, but she kept
her dismay to herself. "Yes, father, I think so," she said feebly, and
lifting up the tray went slowly with it to her mother's room. Debby was
sitting on the bed, chattering quite happily, all the temper forgotten.

"Oh, how pretty," she cried, as she caught sight of the breakfast tray.

"Oh, how tempting," said Mrs. Carlyle, smiling her appreciation,
"the sight of it gives me quite an appetite."

"Do you always do trays like that?" asked Tom, "or is it a birthday?"

"Yes, always. No, it is not a birthday. It is the right way, that's
all."

"When I am ill in bed, will you bring up my breakfast to me on a tray with
a white cloth, and a flower, and a dear little dainty teapot of my own?"
asked Debby eagerly.

"Yes," laughed Audrey, "but don't try to be ill on purpose."

"I think I will wait until the new governess comes," said Debby gravely.
She could not endure the thought of lessons, and of being shut up for ever
so many hours a day.

As soon as breakfast was over Audrey stepped out at the front door, and