se if the younger brother
should take a fancy to her--and he certainly seems to be attracted--it
might be a very excellent thing for her. Her mother can't hope to keep
her as maid of all work for ever. But I can't have her pushing herself
forward. I was very glad to hear you reprimand her so severely this
morning."

"She deserved it," said the Colonel judicially. "But at the same time if
there is any chance of what you suggest coming to pass, I have no wish to
stand in the child's way. I have a fancy that she will find the bondage
at home considerably more irksome after this taste of freedom. It might,
as you say, be a good thing for her if the little chap did fall in love
with her. Her mother can't expect much of a match for her."

"Oh, if that really happened, her mother would be charmed," said Lady
Grace. "She is a queer, ill-balanced creature, and I don't believe she
has ever had the smallest affection for her. She would be delighted to
get her off her hands, I should say. But things mustn't move too quickly,
or they may go in the wrong direction." Again her eyes sought her
daughter's graceful outline. "You say Sir Eustace is rich?" she asked,
after a moment.

"Extremely rich, I should say. He has his own yacht, a house in town as
well as a large place in the country, and he will probably get a seat in
Parliament at the next election. I'm not greatly taken with the man
myself," declared Colonel de Vigne. "He is too overbearing. At the same
time," again his eyes followed his wife's, "he would no doubt be a
considerable catch."

"I don't mean Dinah to have Sir Eustace," said Lady Grace very decidedly.
"It would be most unsuitable. Yes, what is it?" as a low knock came at
the door. "Come in!"

It opened, and Dinah, looking flushed and rather uncertain, made her
appearance.

"I wish you would have the consideration not to disturb us at this hour,
my dear Dinah," said Lady Grace peevishly. "What is it you want now?"

"I am sorry," said Dinah meekly. "But I heard your voices, so I knew you
weren't asleep. I just came in to say that Billy and I are going luging
if you don't mind."

"What next?" said Lady Grace, still fretful. "Of course I don't mind so
long as you don't get up to mischief."

"Dinah, come here!" said the Colonel suddenly.

Dinah, on the point of beating a swift retreat, stood still with obvious
reluctance.

"Come here!" he repeated.

She went to him hesitatingly.

He reached up a hand and