way, for, to the consternation of
the listeners, the parley at the front door was succeeded by the sound
of footsteps picking their way through the piled-up furniture, and
Jane's suggestion of "The library, sir," was apparently neglected, for
the tramp came nearer and nearer to the drawing-room door. Six pairs of
hands were raised to smooth six ruffled heads, Maud twitched down her
sleeves, Lilias stood in an attitude of graceful attention, and the next
moment the door was thrown open, and Ned Talbot's deep voice called out
a greeting.

"May I come in? I refused to be turned away at the door. How does
everybody do? You look very busy. I am going to stay and help you."

CHAPTER SIX.

NAN PLAYS HELPER.

Alas for Maud! Had it been for this that she had lived in dreams since
October last, planning afresh, and yet afresh, every detail of the next
meeting with Ned? Had it been for this that she had mentally arranged
background, occasion, opportunity, sending abroad mother, and sisters
five, and seating herself in solitude to await Ned's arrival? Had it
been for this that she had cherished her dainty new blouse, refusing to
crush it beneath cloak or shawl, and appearing over and over again in
the pink of a bygone age, so that it might appear in its first beauty
for Ned's inspection? Oh, it was hard to have planned so well, and then
to be discovered with ruffled hair, flushed cheeks, and unbecoming
attire! Lilias was only the more picturesque for her working attire,
and was even now shaking hands with the visitor, and welcoming him in
pretty, winsome fashion, as the other girls shook down skirts and
aprons, and took furtive peeps in the looking-glass.

"Mr Talbot. You! This is a surprise. It is delightful to see you
again, but we are so upset! We are in the throes of spring-cleaning, as
you perceive. Have you come from town? Agatha, Chrissie, bring in a
few chairs! This is the only room that has a pretence of a carpet, but
at any rate we can give you a chair to sit upon."

"But I don't want one. I have been sitting in the train, and would
rather stand for a change, or, still better, help with some work.
Please don't treat me as a visitor! What were you about when I came in?
Laying a carpet? Six of you! It doesn't take six women to lay one
carpet, surely!"

Nan groaned dismally.

"It does indeed, and then they can't do it! It's nasty, horrid, rough,
heavy work, only fit for men, and not for ou