doubt about it, stay behind, and go to Norway and have your gaiety."

"I don't think I've very much," said Diana, "but Meryl has enough for
two, I'm sure; and for the rest, I never grumble, and I'm only peevish
with very young men. That, of course, I might work off on the
niggers."

"Has Meryl a lot of pioneer spirit?" asked her father, watching her
with quiet, affectionate eyes.

"Stacks of it. She wants to become an Empire-builder. I don't. I'm
bored with the Empire. But I don't mind sampling just one dive into
the wilderness, to see how I like primitive conditions. I don't know
what Aunt Emily wants with the wilderness though, unless she has a
secret fancy for niggers!..."

"I think that is a little coarse of you, Diana. I have no fancy either
for a wilderness or niggers; but if either you or Meryl were ill, or
anything happened to you, I should never forgive myself had I
remained comfortably at home."

"Nothing will happen to us, aunty. I think you are rather unwise to
think of coming," said Meryl.

"If you go, I shall come as far as Bulawayo anyhow. Then I shall at
least be within reach."

"Well, think it over for a week," said Henry Pym again, getting up and
moving towards his writing-table. "I don't like hurried decisions at
any time. If you like to come and take pot-luck with me I shall be
glad to have your company, but do not let that influence you. Come for
your own sakes, and prepared for anything, or remain behind."

They understood that he wished to be left to do some reading or
writing, and after kissing him good night, went upstairs to their
room.

But Meryl's eyes had already a new glow of hopeful anticipation, and
it was easy to see she did not intend to waste much time in making up
a mind already entirely decided.

Diana found her a little irritating.

"Really, Meryl!" she said, "you look as ridiculously pleased as a cat
with kittens. You are quite the most unaccountable creature in the
world. What, in the name of fortune, _is_ the good of going to
Rhodesia? Frankly, I'd rather stay in England."

But Meryl only smiled happily, and made no comment.

"Oh, put the light out," snapped Diana. "I really can't stand that
superior, complacent air of yours any longer."

For answer the elder girl crossed the room and gave her a hug.

"Don't be cross, Di. You know you'll love the atmosphere of adventure
when you are fairly started. Anyone can go to Norway."

"Adventure! Stuff! Heat and flies