d knew just the nicest portions for Vere's
chair for each part of the day, and Jim had noticed how she started at
the sudden appearance of a newcomer, and had hit on a clever way of
giving her warning of an approach. Lying quite flat as she does, with
her face turned stiffly upwards, it had been impossible to see anyone
till he was close at hand, but now he has suspended a slip of mirror
from the branches of the favourite trees in such a position that they
reflect the whole stretch of lawn. It is quite pretty to look up and
see the figures moving about; the maids bringing out tea, or father
playing with the dogs. Vere can even watch a game of tennis or croquet
without turning her head. We were all delighted, and gushed with
admiration at his ingenuity, and Vere said, "Thank you, Jim," and smiled
at him, and that was worth all the praise in the world.

He told us that he was going home at the end of the week, and one day I
listened to a conversation which I never should have heard, but it
wasn't my fault. Vere and I were alone, and when we saw Jim coming she
got into a state of excitement, and made me vow and declare that I would
not leave her. I couldn't possibly refuse, for she isn't allowed to be
excited, but I twisted my chair as far away as I dared, humped up my
shoulders and buried myself in my book. Jim knew I would do my best for
him, but it's disgusting how difficult it is to fix your attention on
one thing, and close your ears to something still more interesting. I
honestly did try, and the jargon that the book and the conversation made
together was something too ridiculous. It was like this--

"Maud was sitting gazing out of the window at the unending stream of
traffic." "This is our last talk! I told Dudley not to come, for
there's so much to say." "It was her first visit to London, and to the
innocent country mind--" "Don't put me off, dear! I must speak to-day,
or wait here till I do." "Innocent country mind--innocent country
mind." "No matter if it does pain me. I will take the risk. I just
wish you to know." "Innocent country mind it seemed as if--" But it was
no use; my eyes travelled steadily down the page, but to this moment I
can't tell you what Maud's innocent country mind made of it. I could
hear nothing but Jim's deep, earnest voice.

"I don't ask anything from you. You never encouraged me when you were
well, and I won't take advantage of your weakness. I just want you to
rea