! I've been searching downstairs. Out you go! If
there's anything to do indoors, I'll do it. Your place is in the
garden."

"I've been in the kitchen, and cook was so cross that I told off Mary to
help her. I promised to lay the table."

"I'll do it for you!"

Maud tried not to smile. Well she knew what would happen if the work
were left in Nan's care. Crooked cloth, forks and spoons looking as if
they had been tossed upon the table; as likely as not, no cruets nor
water-bottles; and a general air of slipshod carelessness, which would
more than defeat all her arrangements.

"I--er--think I ought to look after it myself," she said apologetically;
"but please help me, dear! If we work together we'll get it done in no
time, and then I can go out and enjoy myself with an easy mind."

"I want you to go now. If you think I can't manage alone, send in
Chrissie. She's even more particular than you, and I'll do as she tells
me like a lamb!" said Nan, not one whit offended at the implied slight
on her own powers; but Maud shook her head.

"I couldn't! I never ask help in an ordinary way, and I couldn't do it
to-day!"

"Too proud?"

"Much!"

"Good for you! I'd feel the same. Come on, then; let's set to work and
get it over. He'll be wondering what you are doing. Where are the
things?"

"Mary has taken up some already, and the rest are in the pantry. I'll
tell you what I want, and you can carry up a trayful at a time while I
set the cloth. I know exactly how I want everything laid, you see!"

"Don't apologise, my love. I know I'm no good at finnicky work, but
I'll fetch and carry with the best. Knives--yes! Glass--yes! Plates--
yes! Leave the plates till the last, and bring up the rest first.
Yes'um! I understand! Knives and tumblers for seven. They shall be
yours before you can say `Jack Robinson.'"

"Not too quick, now!" cried Maud warningly; but Nan was off, leaping
downstairs in a succession of daring bounds, swinging round corners at
break-neck speed, and singing at the pitch of her voice, after the usual
decorous and ladylike manner in which she was wont to descend to the
lower regions.

Left to herself, Maud took a couple of steps towards the window, turned
back resolutely, spread the cloth over the table, and went back at a run
to peer behind the curtains and see what was going on in the garden.
Chrissie and Agatha were strolling about arm in arm; Elsie walked apart,
bowed in thoug