d
across for the gardener, and we ought to try how we get on together,
oughtn't we?"

"Certainly we ought. It is most necessary," replied Gervase, and his
face was absolutely devoid of expression. Whether he was disappointed
or pleased, annoyed or elated, it was impossible to guess, but he turned
aside without another word and followed Lilias down the path which led
riverwards.

By three o'clock preparations were completed, and everything done that
could be thought of to exhibit house and garden in their most favourable
light. In the drawing-room the best cushions and table-covers were
displayed in all their glory; in the dining-room the table was set out
with the precious china tea-service, which saw the light only on festive
occasions, while every silver article was polished up to reflecting
point. Seven girls robed in robes of spotless white flitted to and fro
in the garden, while Japanese umbrellas made picturesque splashes of
colour amongst the green. The visitors were polite enough to declare
that it was well worth paying the admission fee to see so pretty a
scene, and were altogether in such an affable frame of mind that they
were the easiest of preys. Nan's objects of "bigotry and virtue" were
speedily purchased, while Kitty and Christabel did a roaring trade in
toffee and confectionery. Agatha looked wistfully at their empty stalls
while she displayed pinafores and petticoats to the county visitors,
heard them murmur "Very useful!" and rustle on without dropping a
solitary sixpence into her box; but she consoled herself by the
reflection that her turn would come later, when the villagers arrived to
make their purchases, and meantime frequent doses of strawberries and
fruit salad helped to sustain drooping spirits.

Elsie smiled pensively across a mountain of fancy articles, Maud helped
her mother to receive the newcomers, Jim flirted violently with all the
prettiest girls, and Lilias was a vision of loveliness as she punted
admiring crews up and down the stream.

Gervase Vanburgh had attired himself for his work in the most immaculate
of flannels, and as he stood behind his companion plying his long pole,
it is safe to say that every feminine beholder remarked to her own heart
that the young people were made for each other, and that it would be a
sin to divide such a beautiful couple! It was true that there was some
talk of an engagement to an old family friend, but as it was not
officially announc