n that he could only understand broken English. So
whenever people spoke to him she translated their remarks into a sort of
baby language that seemed singularly out of place from her.

"I'm afraid you must think me dreadfully worldly, calling on you on a
Sunday," said Mrs. Campbell, laughing socially as she sat down. "But
what the Prebendary always says is, the better the day the better the
deed."

"Oh, does he always say that?" Harry asked with great apparent interest,
waking up. He had been overpowered with languor ever since lunch.

"Yes, and I felt sure you wouldn't mind our bringing our friend, Mr.
Stoendyck. He is so clever. He's come over to England about an
invention."

Val thought of Brussels sprouts, but did not suggest it.

Mrs. Campbell apparently couldn't take her eyes off the Belgian, whom
she watched as one watches a rather dangerous pet, though he appeared
particularly safe.

Muir, for an unknown reason addressing the Belgian as Professor, was
asking him his impressions of England. Mrs. Campbell bent forward, and
said with a nod--

"E ope you like it--Angleterre, you know"--and nodded idiotically.

"I find it most interesting," said Mr. Stoendyck raspingly, in admirable
English. "There are opportunities in this country for the pursuance of
science, art, and social intercourse which one would hardly have
expected. I do not take tea, I thank you much."

"Have a glass of beer?" said Romer, suddenly inspired.

Simple as the sentence was, Mrs. Campbell thought it necessary to
translate it with more nods.

"E ask you, ave beer. _Biere_, you know! Glass," and then she went on in
her usual tone, "Most thoughtful of Mr. Wyburn, I'm sure. What a
charming place this is of yours, Mrs. Wyburn. I always say the Green
Gate is the most picturesque place in the neighbourhood. And Mr. de
Freyne, I understand, is an artist. Do you know my daughter, Marion, is
_so_ interested in art! And my younger son, Garstin, though he is only
twelve years old, shows great artistic talent, too. He did a map of
Buckinghamshire that really surprised me, almost any one would recognise
it at a glance. I always say I'm sure some day Garstin will be in the
Royal Academy."

Van Buren had approached and began to talk to Mrs. Campbell. Val went
over to the Belgian, but she heard the American beginning a sentence as
usual with, "Pleased to meet you. I've never had the opportunity of
mixing much in clerical circles in New York, Mrs.