ing, he had permitted
Sir James to keep him on at the Grange after her return to
Cassel-Nassau. He had made the acquaintance of the Twins during the
last days of her stay, after the camp had been broken up, and had
formed a high opinion of their ability and their manners. Moreover, of
a very susceptible nature, he had a warm admiration of Mrs. Dangerfield
whom he saw every Sunday at Little Deeping church.

None the less he looked at them doubtfully, and said in a reproachful
tone: "It's very late, Master Terror. You can't expect Sir James to
see people at this hour."

"I know it's late; but the business is important--very important," said
the Terror firmly.

Mawley hesitated. His admiration of Mrs. Dangerfield made him desirous
of obliging her children. Then he said:

"If you'll sit down a minute, I'll tell Sir James that you're here."

"Thank you," said the Terror; and he and Erebus came into the great
hall, sat down on a couch covered by a large bearskin, and gazed round
them at the arms and armor with appreciative eyes.

Mawley found Sir James lighting a big cigar; and told him that Master
and Miss Dangerfield wished to see him on business.

"Oh? They're the two children who wrote and asked me for leave to
fish. But Hilton told me that they were the most mischievous little
devils in the county, so I took no notice of their letter," said Sir
James.

"Well, being your steward, Sir James, Mr. Hilton would be bound to tell
you so. But it's my belief that, having the name for it, a lot of
mischief is put down to them which they never do. And after all
they're Dangerfields, Sir James; and you couldn't expect them to behave
like ordinary children," said Mawley in the tone and manner of a
persuasive diplomat.

"Well, I don't see myself giving them leave to fish," said Sir James.
"There are none too many fish in the stream as it is; and a couple of
noisy children won't make those easier to catch. But I may as well
tell them so myself; so you may bring them here."

Mawley fetched the Twins and ushered them into the smoking-room. They
entered it with the self-possessed air of persons quite sure of
themselves, and greeted Sir James politely.

He was somewhat taken aback by their appearance and air, for his
steward had somehow given him the impression that they were thick,
red-faced and robustious. He felt that these pleasant-looking young
gentlefolk could never have really earned their unfortunate reput