said, rising from her seat, 'you are home again, then.
I thought you were still in America. This is quite a surprise.'

'I don't take long over business, and I am not one to let the grass grow
under my feet. I have been making acquaintance with this young person.
Why, Maria, she is a mere baby!'

I beat a retreat hastily, and finding Nelly practising a song in the
drawing-room, told her of the arrival.

'Aunt Helen! my goodness! won't mother be in a fuss! She pays us
periodical visits to set us all straight. Isn't she a cure, Hilda? I'm
always expecting to see her walk in rigged out in a sporting
costume--knickerbockers and all. She wears a greatcoat in winter exactly
like a man's.'

'She has a handsome face,' I said, 'and I like her short grey hair; it
seems to suit her. She must be quite six foot, Nelly, isn't she?'

'Yes, half an inch over, I think. What did she say to you?'

'She told your mother I was a mere baby.'

Nelly burst out laughing. 'That's better than being called an
empty-pated noodle, as I was, the last time I was addressed by her. Now
I wonder if she is going to stay to lunch; did she say?'

'I did not hear her. Where does she live?'

'Only about fifteen miles from here, but we do not often meet. She is
quite a character. Do you know what her hobby is? Rearing poultry. She
keeps what she calls a "chicken farm," and sends her eggs and fowls up to
London. In the winter she uses incubators, and has broods of chickens
all the year round. Her farm is quite a sight worth seeing. I believe
she has lots of visitors from all parts, and she prides herself upon
having all the latest improvements. She has just been over to Chicago
about an incubator; they are always adding improvements, she says, and
she went over to see it properly worked.'

'But does she do this from mercenary motives?' I asked.

'Oh no. She is very comfortably off; it is just her hobby, but I believe
she makes money over it. She is a clever woman, and hates society. She
must do something with her life, I suppose. I believe she has a love
story, but mother will never tell; she always says, "It was not for the
lack of suitors that your aunt has remained single."'

I was interested in this account of Miss Rayner, and when we met at
luncheon I found my eyes continually wandering in her direction. She
talked well, and was most amusing, though her sarcastic speeches and
scornful curl of the lip rather spoilt the