unless it is giggling and making eyes, as some idiotic girls
do; and I am quite sure that I am in no danger of following their
example!"

"You know perfectly well, Nan, that it means much more than that; and
Mr Vanburgh is a man of the world, and understands exactly to what you
are lending yourself. Judging by his manner, I should call him an
accomplished flirt!"

"Very well, then, I will ask him about it on the first opportunity. I
will tell him what you say, and find out what his ideas are, before
things have gone any further."

A gasp of dismay sounded round the schoolroom, for the listeners knew
that Nan was perfectly capable of putting her threat into words, and,
moreover, that in her present state of indignation it was certain that
she intended to do so. Lilias broke into angry protests, but Nan's icy,
"Don't be alarmed! I shall not mention your name," showed that the true
reason of her discomfiture had been gauged, and she could only hope that
no opportunity would occur for the putting of such a question before
Gervase left the Grange. In this hope, however, she was doomed to be
disappointed; for Mr Vanburgh invited Nan to tea on the following day,
and she departed, primed with determination. It seemed at first that
she would have no opportunity of broaching the all-important subject;
but when tea was over, Gervase proposed a walk round the grounds, and
Nan was no sooner clear of the house than she gave a preliminary little
cough, and said, in sententious accents--

"Mr Vanburgh, we have agreed to be friends, but I should like to hear,
as a preliminary measure, exactly your definition of the term. What is
a friend?"

Gervase's eyes twinkled and his lips twitched beneath his moustache, but
he made a gallant attempt at seriousness, and replied--

"A friend is a comrade who is faithful not only in words, but in deeds.
My friend is one who will make personal sacrifices to ensure my welfare;
who will not hear me maligned behind my back, but will reprove me to my
face when I have done wrong. My friend is one who cares for me for
myself, apart from my circumstances, and will be most loyal and loving
in the time of trouble!"

"Bravo! Bravo!" cried Nan enthusiastically. "That's good! I like
that! Those are exactly my own sentiments, only I could not have put
them into words. I had no idea you were so eloquent. Now, another
definition, please. What is a flirt?"

"A flirt!" An expression of the mo