?" said Mr. Winton quietly.

"Yes, dad, that's the long and short of it; and Henry is to be our new
boss. You remember I told him we all expected it."

"So far as I recollect," his father observed sententiously, "that was
how you put it."

"I am so glad to hear it," said Mrs. Winton. "Henry has got on," with an
emphasis on "Henry has" and a motherly look towards Edgar, who gave no
sign that the implied comparison was present in his mind.

The one whose interest was most personal had given least sign, but Flo's
heart was fluttering in a way that was known only to herself. Following
on the heels of her first thrill of satisfaction stepped something
resembling irritation. She would have preferred that Edgar had been less
eager with the news, and had left it for Henry to convey in person. What
a splendid opportunity that would have been for unaffected
congratulation! Out of her momentary irascible mood she threw a taunt at
Edgar.

"And you, I suppose, have been appointed Henry's assistant--that would
be the least they could do for such a brilliant young man."

Edgar flushed and winced. This flicked him on the raw; but his
well-exercised powers of denunciation were equal to the occasion.

"No such luck for me; that Scotch ass Tait has got Henry's crib. He is
one of those sly, slaving plodders, without a touch of ability."

"I have noticed, Edgar," put in his father, "that it is the plodders who
steadily push ahead."

"Oh, that's all right; but I don't like Tait." Perhaps this explained a
good deal.

A sudden sense of the value of Edgar's services in her love affair with
Henry filled Flo with regret for having been spiteful to her dear
brother, and she at once endeavoured to save him from further
unfavourable criticism by expressing the belief that Henry would
doubtless help to advance him all he could. When the first opportunity
offered, Flo drew Edgar again to her favourite topic, and had quite
smoothed away any ruffles in her brother's temper before she reached
this diplomatic point:

"Now that Henry has so much in his power, you must keep on the best of
terms with him. Get him to come and see us as often as you can. Why not
ask him to dine with us on Sunday next? He could stay until required at
the office."

"Not much use of that, I fancy; Saturday is about the only day he is
likely to come."

"Nonsense! Sunday should suit as well," with a touch of impatience.

"But you must remember, Flo, that Henry isn