e in my pocket-book?" returned her cousin, wickedly. "I saw Miss
Sartoris at Oldfield that day, and she was too grand for my taste.
Why, a fellow would never dare to speak to her. I have scored that one
off the list, Phillis."

"My dears, what have you been saying to Harry?"

"Oh, nothing, mammie," returned Dulce, hastily, fearing her mother
would be shocked. "Phillis was only in her nonsense-mood; but Harry is
such a goose, and will take things seriously. I wish you would let me
have your pocket-book a moment, and I would tear out the page." But
Sir Harry returned it safely to his pocket.

"What was your other piece of news?" asked Nan, in her quiet voice,
when all this chatter had subsided.

"Oh, I had almost forgotten it myself! only Miss Middleton charged me
to tell you that 'son Hammond' has arrived by the P. and O. Steamer
the 'Cerberus,' and that she and her father were just starting for
Southampton to meet him."

CHAPTER XLII.

"COME, NOW, I CALL THAT HARD."

Phillis was unusually silent during the remainder of the evening; but,
as she bade Nan good-night at the door of her little room, she
lingered a moment, shading the flame of her candle with her hand.

"Do you think Mattie will bring her sister round to see us,
to-morrow?" she asked, in a very low tone.

"Oh, yes,--I am sure I hope so," returned Nan, sleepily, not noticing
the restrained eagerness of Phillis's manner. "We can hardly call
first, under our present circumstances. Mr. Drummond knows that." And
Phillis withdrew, as though she were satisfied with the answer.

Nothing more was said on the subject; and they settled themselves to
their work as usual on the following morning, Dulce chattering and
singing snatches of songs,--for she was a most merry little soul,--Nan
cheerful and ready for conversation with any one; but Phillis withdrew
herself to the farthest window and stitched away in grave silence.
And, seeing such was her mood, her sisters wisely forbore to disturb
her.

At twelve o'clock the gate-bell sounded, and Dulce, who hailed any
interruption as a joyful reprieve, announced delightedly that Mattie
and a tall young lady were coming up the flagged walk; and in an
instant Phillis's work lay untouched on her lap.

"Are you all here? Oh, dear, I am so glad," exclaimed Mattie, bustling
into the room with a radiant face. "I have brought Grace to see you;
she arrived last night." And in a moment the young stranger was
surrou