t
would one day turn into a swan. But the years had slipped away, and
the change had never taken place. She might hope that it had, and it
was best that she should never know the truth.

With a set face he began to speak.

"I've lately returned from Egypt, and saw there your nephew, Lieutenant
Fenleigh, of the ----sex Regiment."

He tried to say "ma'am," but even at that moment it seemed too great a
mockery, and the word choked him.

"I was with him when he died on the banks of the Nile. He asked me to
bring you this, and to give it to you with my own hands."

She took the ring, but without moving her eyes from the speaker's face.

"He asked me to tell you that he remembered you always."

The voice grew husky, and the lady drew a little closer, perhaps to
hear more plainly what was said.

"And to say that he carried his--his love for you with him down into
the grave."

With a great effort Jack finished the message. The words had brought
back a flood of vivid recollections of that dreadful night, and his
eyes were filled with blinding tears. He turned to brush them away,
and as he did so he felt Queen Mab's arms meet round his neck.

"You dear old boy! don't you think I know you? Don't you think I knew
you as soon as you came inside the gate?"

He made some attempt to reply, uttered a broken word or two, and then
turned away his head; but she, standing on tiptoe, drew it down lower
and lower, until at length it rested on her shoulder.

And so the ugly duckling ended his wanderings.

* * * * *

No autumn frosts or winter snows could ever have fallen on that garden,
for here were the same flowers, and fruit, and ferns as had bloomed and
ripened that last August holiday seven years ago. So, at least,
thought Jack, as he and his aunt walked together along the paths.

"Did he write from Egypt to tell you about me?"

"No; but I've always been expecting you. I knew you'd come back some
time."

"I didn't think you'd recognize me."

"Valentine knew I should. Don't you see it was you he sent home to me,
and not the ring?"

Jack was silent. Everything that his eye rested upon reminded him of
that faithful, boyish friendship, and his lip quivered.

Queen Mab noticed it, and changed the subject.

"I wonder what Jakes will think to see me walking about arm-in-arm with
a soldier," she said gaily. "Never mind, I must make the most of it
while it lasts. I'm afraid I shan't