nothing of
the kind, I assure you."

"Nor bloodthirsty?"

"Nor in the faintest shadow of a degree bloodthirsty."

"Nor thrilling, nor gloomy, nor terrible?"

"The farthest possible remove from such qualities."

Nan groaned with disappointment.

"What a blow! Another nonentity! I hope, then, that your Vanburgh has
nothing to do with ours, for he sounds terribly uninteresting. Never
mind; when you come down to see us in the summer, we shall have solved
the mystery for ourselves; and you will be obliged to come down for our
sale, you know. Have you heard anything about our sale?"

"I--er--yes; I heard something,"--began Ned hesitatingly. He half
turned his head towards Lilias, and then once more stared down at his
plate, while she continued for him, in her sweet flute-like voice--

"Oh yes; I told him about it. He has promised to come and help me when
I get tired. I can't manage the punt all alone!"

Once again was noticed the subtle suggestiveness of Lilias's manner; but
this time it was her pleasure to pose as a martyr--a poor, fragile
martyr, to whom had been deputed a hard and ungrateful task, while her
companions played in the sunshine. Nothing could be said against an
unspoken accusation, especially in the presence of a stranger; but the
sisters exchanged meaning glances across the table, and Nan stamped _so_
violently upon Elsie's foot that that melancholy young person writhed on
her seat. The best safeguard to the feelings of the family was to
change the subject, which Chrissie at once proceeded to do.

"But sha'n't we see you again before midsummer?" she inquired eagerly.
"Is this really the only visit you are going to pay us this time? Three
skimpy hours! You generally come and stay over a Sunday at least.
Can't you come again before you go north? Mother and father will be
home on Thursday."

Ned Talbot flushed suddenly, and bit his lips under his moustache. He
was evidently struggling with a spasm of nervousness; and Maud noticed
as much, and wondered as to its meaning, even as she blessed Christabel
in her heart for her welcome suggestion. Surely, surely Ned would not
refuse!

"You are very kind," he said slowly. "I had thought of asking if I
might come. I am anxious to talk to Mrs Rendell. If it would not be
inconvenient to have me from Saturday till Monday so soon after her
return, I should very much like to come." He looked inquiringly at Maud
as he spoke, and she smiled a ha