back to the Admiral's time. Then we have Carnaby. Carnaby, my
dear Mrs. Loring, belongs to you. Do you want to give him up? He
adores you and you will have an unbounded influence on him, if you
choose to exercise it."

"How can I influence Carnaby--in America?"

This was a blow, but Lavendar made no sign. "You may not always be in
America," he said. "Now why not let Mrs. de Tracy sell the land and
cottage and plum tree in the ordinary course of things? Oh, how I wish
_I_ could buy the blessed thing!" he exclaimed, parenthetically.

"Oh! how I wish _I_ could buy the plum tree, and keep it, always
blossoming, in my morning-room!" sighed Robinette.

"But unfortunately, Waller R. A. will buy the plum tree, confound him!
Now, just after Mrs. de Tracy has definitely sold the premises and all
their appurtenances, suppose you, in your prettiest and most docile
way (docility not being your strong point!) ask your aunt if she has
any objection to your taking care of Mrs. Prettyman during the few
years remaining to her. Meantime keep her from irritating Mrs. de
Tracy, and make the poor old dear happy with plans for her future. If
you are short on docility you are long on making people happy!"

"Never did I hear such an argument! It would make Macduff fall into
the arms of Macbeth; it would tranquillize the Kilkenny cats
themselves! I'll run in and apologize abjectly to my thrice guilty
aunt, then I'll reward myself by going over to Wittisham."

"If you'll take the ferry over, I'd like to come and fetch you if I
may. That shall be my reward."

"Reward for what?"

"For giving you advice very much against my personal inclinations.
Courses of action founded entirely on policy do not appeal to me very
strongly."

XX

THE NEW HOME

It was in rather a chastened spirit that Robinette set off to see Mrs.
Prettyman. "I've been foolish, I've been imprudent; oh! dear me! I've
still so much to learn!" she sighed to herself. "No good is ever done
by losing one's temper; it only puts everything wrong. I shall have to
try and take Mr. Lavendar's advice. I must be very prudent with Nurse
this morning--never show her that I think Aunt de Tracy is in the
wrong; just persuade her ever so gently to move to another home, and
arrange with her where it is to be."

It is always difficult for an impetuous nature like Robinette's to
hold back about anything. She would have liked to run straight into
Mrs. Prettyman's room, and, fling