t your fault. It's
only because I am so fond--so fond of you, Peggy, and so sorry to
think--"

"You dear, sweet goose! Stop crying this minute, and listen to me.
There is no difference between us, and it's going to be _exactly_ the
same. You are Mellicent Asplin, and I'm Peggy Saville, and after my
very own people I love the dear old vicaragers more than any one else in
the world. I never change in my affections, and in other respects the
day may yet dawn, my love, when you may wish that I had altered
considerably more than I have. Will it help you to recognise me if I
pull your hair, eli?--or tickle you under the chin, eh?--or give a nice
little jolt to your elbow just as you lift your cup, eh?" cried Peggy,
illustrating each inquiry in practical fashion, while Mellicent giggled
in the midst of tears, and dabbed her eyes with her handkerchief.

"D-o-on't! You'll spoil my dress. Oh, Peggy, it _is_ good of you, and
I did so want to come, and will you really promise not to be ashamed of
me, if I make stupid mistakes, and look dowdy and horrid when we go out
together?"

"I'll be ashamed of you, and furious into the bargain, if you hint at
such a thing again. I'm not a snob, thank goodness! Now sit up, my
dear, and drop sentiment, and attend to tea. Take a cress sandwich, and
don't cry over it, I beseech you! If there is one thing more
objectionable than another, it is wet salad. Tell me all about home,
and every one in it. Are they looking forward to my advent, and is cook
remembering my favourite puddings? I've got a present for every one--
such a beautiful white shawl for Mrs Asplin, a tiger skin for your
father's study, some old manuscripts for Esther, as I could not think of
anything she would like better, and--"

"And what for--How very nice! So kind of you, Peggy, to think of us!"
protested Mellicent, drawing herself up with sudden recollection, but
palpitating with curiosity to hear what her own share might be. "Esther
hopes to get home while you are with us, but she can't tear herself from
her precious pupils for more than a week. She has three little boys
whom she is training for school, and teaching Latin and Greek and
mathematics and all sorts of horrid things. You would hate it, Peggy,
and so would I, but Esther loves it, and grudges every moment she is
away."

Peggy laughed.

"I can imagine it! The little rascals scrawling substantives on their
slates--`O frog--To a frog--By, with, o