father, on my word as a gentleman and head of this
family, that this dressmaking humbug shall be given up."

"You had no right to give such a promise," returned Phillis, offended
at this; but Nan's hand stole into Dick's. She understood now.

"But, Harry, my dear," asked Mrs. Challoner, "what would you have them
do?"

"Oh, play tennis,--dance,--flirt, if they like! How do young ladies
generally occupy their time? Don't let us talk about such petty
details as this. I want to tell you about my new house. You all know
Gilsbank? Well, it is 'Challoner Place' now."

"You have bought it, Harry?"

"Yes; I have bought it," he returned, coolly. "And what is more, I
hope to settle down there in another month's time. How soon do you
think you will be ready to move, Aunt Catherine?"

"My dear!" in a voice of mild astonishment. But Dulce clapped her
hands: she thought she guessed his meaning. "Are we to live with you,
Harry? Do you really mean to take us with you?"

"Of course I shall take you with me; but not to Challoner Place. That
would be rather close quarters; and--and--I may make different
arrangements," rather sheepishly. "Aunt Catherine, Glen Cottage will
be all ready for you and the girls. I have settled about the
furniture; and Mrs. Mayne will have fires lighted whenever you like to
come down. Why, aunt,--dear Aunt Catherine," as he felt her thin hand
tremble in his, and the tears started to her eyes, "did you not tell
me how much you loved your old home? And do you think, when you have
no son to take care of you, that I should ever let you be far from
me?"

"Confound you!" growled Dick. "Is not a son-in-law as good as a son
any day."

But no one heard this but Nan.

Mrs. Challoner was weeping for joy, and Dulce was keeping her company;
but Phillis walked up to her cousin with a shamefaced look:

"I am sorry I called you a Goth, Harry. I ought to have remembered
Alcides. You are as good as gold. You are a dear generous fellow. And
I love you for it; and so do Nan and Dulce. And I was not a bit cross,
really; but you did look such a great goose, turning out that
wardrobe." But, though she laughed at the remembrance, the tears were
in Phillis's eyes.

Dick was nobody after this: not that he minded that. How could they
help crowding round this "big hero" of theirs who had performed such
wonders?

Gilsbank turned into Challoner Place; Glen Cottage, with its
conservatory and brand-new furniture, theirs again,