it makes all the difference to me to feel
I am supporting myself."

"Brave little puss. See now," added the fond parent, taking out a
couple of sovereigns from his purse.

"I want you to take these to get any little trifle which may add to your
comfort. I have not been very lavish with pocket-money, but I think
just now you may find this useful. Take it, my dear child, and bless
you."

"Really, I have all I--"

"You must not refuse me, daughter; it will please me if you take it."

So Rosalind kissed her father gratefully, and said she should be sure to
find the money useful, if he could really spare it. And he, good man,
only wished it were twice as much.

"I have just had a note," said he, "from Mr Ratman, who announces his
return on the 25th. During the few days he remains, my dear Rosalind, I
think you should try, even if it cost you an effort, to be friendly.
After all, he is an old comrade, and I have reasons for desiring not to
offend him."

"Oh, why ever do you let him come back after the unkind way he behaved
to Jill? I'm sure he is a bad man, father. Indeed, I wonder at his
thinking of coming at all after what has happened."

"I dare say his manner may have been rough; but it was meant only in
good-natured fun. Let us think no more about that. I was annoyed at
the whole affair; but I must ask you, Rosalind, not to give him
unnecessary offence when he comes again."

"I can't pretend to like people I detest," said she; "but if he conducts
himself like a gentleman, and goes away soon, there needn't be any
trouble about it." And she went off to rejoice Roger with a visit.

During the week that followed, Captain Oliphant impressed the whole
family with his chastened good-humour.

He paid a friendly call at the Vicarage, and expressed his obligations
to the vicar and his wife for their consideration, and trusted his
daughter, who (though he said so who should not), he was sure was a
conscientious girl--would do her work well and requite them for their
kindness.

He bought Tom his longed-for football, and ordered from town a handsome
dressing-case for his dear ward. He delighted Miss Jill by allowing her
to drive him in his rounds among the tenantry, when he had a friendly
word for everybody.

Jill, in charge of the reins, was as happy as a queen, and quite
captivated by her father's cheerful good-humour.

"I wonder what makes you so jolly," she said, as they spanked along the
country la