was two months ago! Rest and care, and freedom from suspense, have done
good work already, so don't begin to lament too soon, for I may cheat
the doctors yet. Now smile and look like yourself, for we can allow no
doleful faces to-day. It is a happy day for me, for once more I have
two sons to love and be proud of. There goes the bell, and we must go
in to tea and to entertain the lovers. Don't be _too_ severe, darling,
for they are very new and most amusingly self-conscious. I am sure poor
dear Esther will feel it quite an ordeal to face you."

Peggy smiled at that, as it had been intended she should, and the next
moment Mellicent came flying down the path, her eyes dancing with
excitement.

"They've come!" she cried. "They are in the schoolroom waiting for you.
The professor is standing in the middle of the floor smiling into space
like a china image, and Esther is horribly embarrassed. I told her that
Peggy was here, and she _q-quailed_! Literally quailed before me. I
saw her do it!"

"She may well quail!" cried Peggy meaningly. She threw back her head,
peaked her brows over eyes of solemnest reproof, and marched into the
house with a Mariquita stride.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN.

The glance of shamed apprehension which Esther cast at Peggy as she
appeared upon the threshold afforded immense delight to those who
watched the meeting between the two girls. The old danger signals were
all to the fore, as Peggy walked across the room--the peaked brows,
pursed-up lips, and air of gracious patronage; but the dignity of later
years seemed but to have added fresh weapons to her armament. A pigtail
could never by any chance have been so imposing as the glossy coils
which were now wound round the little head. The rustle of silken skirts
heralded her approach in a manner infinitely more stately than the
scamper of thin brown legs, and the wave of the little hand was
emphasised by the twinkle of diamonds.

Esther grasped the back of her chair and gulped miserably. If only,
only Edward had not been present, she could have faced the worst; but
being still bashful and embarrassed in his presence, she trembled at the
thought of what was to come, and supplicated dumbly with her eyes.

"My dear Esther, a thousand felicitations! I do indeed rejoice in your
happiness," murmured Peggy sweetly, and pecked her cheek with a
condescending kiss. Esther's face disappeared for a moment, and came
into view again with a fine a