as she stretched out two satin slippers, which seemed suddenly to become
of Liliputian dimensions when contrasted with Rob's huge square-toed
shoes. "They are very useful little feet, and can carry me about just
as well as your great ironclads can carry you. You used to say yourself
that I walked uncommonly well for a girl."

"I did, and I'm glad to find you have not outgrown the accomplishment.
Do you remember the red Tam o' Shanter, Peggy? I found it on its peg
when I went to the vicarage after you had left, and walked off with it
in my pocket. There was a hue and cry when its loss was discovered, for
it had been kept as a sort of fetish, but I refused to restore it. I'll
give it back to you, though, if you will promise to wear it in the
country when I can see you!"

"I will, with pleasure, every single day when it's not too hot. Dear
old Tam! It will remind me of our old times together, when we were so
happy, and thought ourselves so miserable, because lessons were hard, or
our plans went wrong, or we couldn't agree. But you and I never
quarrelled, Rob, we were always friends, and--"

"Partners!" said Rob softly; and Peggy stared fixedly across the room,
and once again the floor described that curious upward tilt, and a
kaleidoscope whirl of colour flew past.

CHAPTER EIGHT.

Ten minutes later Peggy emerged from behind the cluster of palm-trees,
and laid her hand on Rob's arm to accompany him to the refreshment-room
below.

"You still retain your old weakness for ices, then?" he had asked her,
and the "I--do--so!" which came in reply was so emphatic that it evoked
a hearty laugh of approval. A group of people standing near at hand
turned round to stare with amused curiosity at the tall man and his
little partner who were on such good terms with each other, and one or
two of the men, recognising Rob, bowed to him with an air of surprise.
Then they passed into a second room, and Peggy was instantly aware that
something unusual was in the air, for every one seemed flocking together
in one corner and listening in charmed silence to the sound of one
flute-like voice. Peggy had hardly time to catch the sound of a
familiar lisp before there came a quick exclamation of surprise, and a
radiant vision, all pink and white and glitter of diamonds, glided
forward to meet her.

"It's Mawiquita! It is! Her own little self! A hundwed welcomes,
Peggy! I've just returned to town, and was coming to see you to