k straight upstairs, as if you knew your
way, and we will follow."

These directions were obeyed, with the result that all reached an upper
chamber, wherein a table was cleanly and comfortably laid, as if
expecting them. French windows led out on to a quaint little verandah
at the back of the house, and the view thence was perfect. The river
below, winding between wooded banks, and everywhere the same splendour
of varied green which had delighted their eyes all the morning. Just
below the verandah was the tiled roof of an outhouse, whereon lay a
fine black and white cat, basking in the hot sun. Ida clapped her hands.

"He's like poor old Grim," she cried. Then, turning to Waymark: "If you
are good, you may bring out a chair and smoke a cigar here after
dinner."

They had just began to eat, when footsteps were heard coining up the
stairs.

"Oh bother!" exclaimed Sally. "There's some one else a-comin', s'nough."

There was. The door opened, and two gentlemen walked in. Waymark looked
up, and to his astonishment recognised his old friends O'Gree and
Egger. Mr. O'Gree was mopping his face with a handkerchief, and looked
red and hungry; Mr. Egger was resplendent in a very broad-brimmed straw
hat, the glistening newness of which contrasted with the rest of his
attire, which had known no variation since his first arrival at Dr.
Tootle's. He, too, was perspiring profusely, and, as he entered, was
just in the act of taking out the great yellow handkerchief which
Waymark had seen him chewing so often in the bitterness of his spirit.

"Hollo, Waymark, is it you?" cried Mr. O'Gree, forgetting the presence
of the strangers in his astonishment. "Sure, and they told us we'd find
a _gentleman_ here."

"And I was the last person you would have thought of as answering that
description?"

"Well, no, I didn't mean that. I meant there was no mention of the
ladies."

Waymark flashed a question at Ida with his eyes, and understood her
assent in the smile and slight motion of the head.

"Then let me introduce you to the ladies."

The new-comers accordingly made the acquaintance of Miss Starr and Miss
Fisher (that was Sally's name), and took seats at the table, to await
the arrival of their dinners. Both were on their good behaviour. Mr.
O'Gree managed to place himself at Sally's left hand, and led the
conversation with the natural ease of an Irishman, especially delighted
if Sally herself seemed to appreciate his efforts to be en