side
her plate.

Even Miss Milliken was wide awake now and as happy as she ever could be
anywhere. Her one complaint was that it was "so far from civilization."

"But you knew that, Milly, before you came. Mamma stated everything to
you as plainly as could be. You knew you were going to an isolated ranch
on a mountain, so how could you expect daily papers, visitors, and such
things? You've always said you loved quiet and, now you've got it, do be
satisfied," begged Helena. She was really fond of the nervous little
governess but sometimes lost patience with her.

"Yes, dear, but suppose--suppose something happened? Illness at home, or
something serious."

Lady Gray gently interposed, and made, also, her little speech. It was
her first and last advice, or request, to her guests and most of them
were impressed by it.

"Dear Miss Milliken, don't be troubled by 'being so far from
civilization.' You aren't that, at all. My husband has brought
civilization with him. I am amazed at all he has accomplished. We have a
telegraph line--that he found necessary for his business, but that can
be used by any of us. Bad news travels fast. Be sure if 'anything
happens' we shall hear of it all too soon. And now I have but one
suggestion to make for our life together, and I mean to apply it to
myself first of all. It is: Let us put everything unpleasant under our
feet, as far as possible, and each do his and her share to make this a
wholly joyous summer. I'm inclined to 'worry' and it's a most
unfortunate inclination. This is the first time I have had a chance to
make a 'home' for Daniel and Leslie and I want it to be perfect. Will
you all help me? Will you all take my dear husband's words for a summer
text and make life at this dear San Leon a synonym of 'Peace and Good
Will'?"

Lady Gray's beautiful face was very earnest, there was even a suspicion
of tears in her long-lashed eyes, but they did not fall, and, after a
moment's silence, Leslie sprang to his feet with a:

"Hip, hip, hurra, for the Gray Lady and her maiden speech! All in favor
of following her lead, say 'Aye'!"

All the company rose and the deafening "Ayes" which those young throats
emitted were as flattering as confusing to the "speech" maker. Then she
waved them back to their chairs and Wun Sing's perfection lunch was
served.

Of course they all missed their jolly host, and their hearts were still
troubled because of the missing Jim; but each strove with the ot