on my behalf! I can
make no change myself, so please don't confound me by your
magnificence."

Lazy Nan consented readily enough, but once more the thought of the blue
silk blouse sent a pang of disappointment to Maud's heart. She should
not be able to wear it after all, and the long hoarding up had been in
vain. She reflected on the disappointing nature of earthly hopes, with
a melancholy which would have done credit to Elsie herself, as she took
her way downstairs to interview cook on the subject of dinner. It is
one thing to give a promise to make no difference in a _menu_, and
another to keep that promise to the letter, as every housekeeper knows;
and even if circumstances did not allow of any substantial addition to
the meal, there were a dozen little contrivances by which it could be
given an air of elegance and distinction. They took time to arrange,
however, as all such contriving do, and cook was cross at being asked to
undertake fresh duties, and wished to know what people wanted coming
worriting about a house when a child in arms could see he wasn't wanted!
Maud smiled at the reflection that, in this instance, the child would
be vastly mistaken in his views, but did her best to soothe the offended
dignitary; and finally matters were smoothed over by Mary being told off
to help in the kitchen, while Maud herself undertook the arrangement of
the table.

"Nan will help me," she told herself encouragingly, as she mounted the
staircase and saw through the window a procession of girlish figures
making their way down the garden path, escorting Ned to a survey of the
daffodils and spring bulbs, for which Mr Rendell was famous among
amateur gardeners. Lilias walked first, a dainty figure against the
background of fresh green; slim little Elsie picked her way daintily
over the gravel; Agatha followed, large and beaming; and Christabel
majestically brought up the rear. Maud pressed her face against the
window and watched with a spasm of envy. Oh, to be out, enjoying
herself with the rest--to let everything take care of itself, and take
her place by Ned's side! Too bad to be kept indoors when her
opportunity had come at last, and the sun was shining, and all Nature
seemed bright and gay! No one seemed to have thought of her, or of
offering to help, except Nan--dear, good, thoughtless, and yet most
thoughtful of Nans; and here she came, flying three steps at a time,
upstairs to the rescue.

"Oh, you are here