pplies at the last moment, and _then_ what would you do? Imagine how
awkward it might be!"

"I'd rather not, if you don't mind! It would be quite bad enough if it
really happened. We won't anticipate evil, but have a lazy morning
together in the garden, browsing in deck-chairs, and eating fruit at
frequent intervals. It is so lovely to sit under one's own trees, in
one's own garden, with one's very own mummie by one's side. Girls who
have lived in England all their lives can never appreciate having home
and parents at the same time, in the same way in which I do. It seems
almost too good to be true, to be really settled down together!"

"Oh, thank God, we never were really separated, Peg! One of the heart-
breaking things of a life abroad is that parents and children so often
grow up practical strangers to each other; but you and I were always
together at heart, and your dear letters were so transparent that I
seemed to read all that was in your mind. It was partly Mrs Asplin's
doing too--dear good woman, for she gave you the care and mothering
which you needed to develop your character, yet never tried to take my
place. Yes, indeed, we must do all we can for Esther! Find out what
she would like, dear, and we will go to town together and buy the best
of its kind. I can never do enough for Mrs Asplin's children."

There was so much to talk about, so much to discuss, that when lunch-
time approached both mother and daughter were surprised to find how
quickly the morning had passed. It was so cool and breezy sitting under
the shade of the trees that they were both unwilling to return to the
house, and at Peggy's suggestion orders were given that lunch should be
served where they sat.

"It will do me more credit; for what would appear a paltry provision
spread out on the big dining-room table, will look quite sylvan and
luxurious against this flowery background," she said brightly, and in
the very moment of speaking her jaw dropped, and her eyes grew blank and
fixed, as if beholding a vision too terrible to be real.

Round the corner or the house, one--two--three masculine forms were
coming into view; three men in Norfolk jackets, shooting breeches and
deer-stalker caps; dusty and dishevelled, yet with that indefinable air
of relaxation which spoke of rest well-earned. They were no chance
visitors, they had come to stay, to stay to be fed! Every confident
step proved as much, every smile of assured welcome