e all these gentlemen my uncles too?"

The tone of doubtful inquiry was too much for the little company, and
Milly's question was answered by a shout of laughter.

Again the child's face flushed, and then a grey-haired man stepped
forward.

"Come, Wentworth, this is a severe ordeal for such a mite. I have
grandchildren of my own, so am not so scared as you. Now, little one, is
that better?"

And in an instant the child was lifted by him and placed upon his knee
as he took a seat by the fire.

Milly heaved a short sigh.

"I like this," she said, looking up at him confidingly. "Does Uncle
Edward really want me to go to bed? Nurse said it wasn't time yet. Nurse
wanted her supper, so she sent me in here while she had it."

"The reign of the nurse has begun," said Sir Edward. "Well, it may be a
very fine joke to all you fellows, but if I don't make my authority felt
at once, it will be all up with me. Lovell, be so good as to ring that
bell."

Sir Edward's voice was irate when his old butler appeared.

"Ford, take this child to her nurse, and tell her that she is never to
appear in my presence again unless sent for. Now, Millicent, go at
once."

The child slid down from her seat, but though evidently puzzled at the
quick, sharp words, she seemed to have no fear, for, going up to her
uncle, she slipped her little hand into his.

"Are you angry, uncle? What does 'presence' mean? Will you say,
'Good-night; God bless you,' to me?"

With the baby fingers clinging to his, what could Sir Edward say?

"Good-night; good-night, child! Now go."

"Say, 'God bless you!'" persisted the little one, and it was not till
her uncle muttered the desired words that she relinquished her hold and
followed the butler sedately out of the room.

CHAPTER II.

DAVID AND GOLIATH.

Sir Edward Wentworth was, as he expressed it, a "confirmed bachelor,"
and though during the autumn months he was quite willing to fill his
house with his London friends, he was better pleased to live the greater
part of the year in seclusion, occupying himself with looking after his
estate and writing articles for several of the leading reviews of the
day.

The advent of his small niece was indeed a great trial to him, but, with
his characteristic thoroughness, he determined that he would make the
necessary arrangements for her comfort. Accordingly he had a long
interview with her nurse the following morning. It proved to be
satisfactory. The n