s are like that, so practical and commonplace, not a bit
enthusiastic and sensible like school-girls. We used to keep awake
until one o'clock in the morning, and sit shivering in dressing-gowns,
eating custard, tarts and sardines, and thought it was splendid fun. I
think a picnic where servants make the fire and pack away the dishes is
too contemptible for words.

Vere wanted Will Dudley to come with us, so I went round to the "The
Clift" that very afternoon and invited Rachel to come too. I am as much
at liberty to invite my friends as she is to ask hers, and this was
meant to be a checkmate to her plans; but Rachel was too stupid for
words, and wouldn't be induced to accept.

"I always play a game with father in the evening," she said. "He would
miss it if I went out."

"But he can't expect you never to go out! He would appreciate you all
the more if you did leave him alone sometimes," I said, talking to
myself as much as to her, for it was four days since I had been a walk
with my father, and my horrid old conscience was beginning to prick.
"Do come, Rachel. I want you particularly," but she went on refusing,
so then I thought I would try what jealousy would do. "We shall be such
a merry party; Vere is prettier and livelier than ever, and her friends
are very amusing. Lady Mary is very handsome, and she sings and plays
on the mandoline. She is going to take it with her to-night. It will
be so pretty, the sound of singing on the water, and she will look so
picturesque under the Japanese lamps."

She looked wistful and longing, but not a bit perturbed.

"I wish I could come! It sounds charming. I've hardly ever been on the
river, never in the evening; but I should be worrying about father all
the time. He is old, you see, Una, and he has such bad pain, and his
days seem so long. It must be so sad to be ill and know that you will
never get any better, and to have nothing to look forward to." Her face
lit up suddenly, and I knew she was thinking of the time, years ahead,
when what she was looking forward to would come true. "I really could
not neglect father for my own amusement."

"But you have someone else to think of!" I reminded her cunningly. "I
told you who was coming. You ought to think of his pleasure."

"Oh, he will enjoy it in any case! He loves being on the water; I am so
glad you asked him!" she cried, quite flushed with delight, if you
please, at the thought that Will was coming wi