ek from Friday. I
thought, as we were going down in any case, we might as well do the
thing comfortably, and have a breath of sea-air. Awfully stuffy in town
this last week! They say the Grand is the best hotel, and we shall be
fairly comfortable there. Four bedrooms, and a private sitting-room for
you, mater, in case you want to be quiet. Gerard's coming along; and
you'll come too--over Sunday, at least--I hope, father?"

"Over Sunday, certainly. I can manage that very well; and perhaps
Horton can take on my work for a few days. There are no very serious
cases on at present, and a rest would be very delightful!" said the
tired doctor with a sigh. His wife brightened instantly at the thought
of his pleasure, while Betty and Jill flushed with excitement.

Rooms at the Grand! The best hotel, where perchance they might be
"comfortable"! They had never before stayed in an hotel; lodgings, and
cheap lodgings into the bargain, had been their portion on the occasion
of their rare holiday-makings. The grandeur of the prospect drove out
every other thought, and, to his own immense relief, Miles escaped
embarrassing comments on his sadden change of front.

"I hope we shan't have meals in the private room," Jill said anxiously.
"The great fun of staying in an hotel is to see the people, and--er--"

"Be seen by the people?"

"Exactly! Especially the latter. Don't ask me to do a single thing
before Friday, for I shan't have a second to spare. I'm off remnant-
hunting this morning, and shall be glued to the sewing-machine for the
rest of the time. Two new blouses at least I _must_ have, if I am to
pose before the public eye--"

"Oh, bother remnants! We'll go to Regent Street this morning, and buy
half a dozen blouses between you. I am not going to take you to an
hotel in remnants!" cried Miles with masculine scorn.

Since his return from abroad the eldest son of the family displayed a
disregard of money which seemed next door to criminal in the eyes of his
careful relations. Why worry to make up a blouse for three-and-sixpence
when you can buy a better one for three guineas? That was his present
attitude of mind; and when the girls hesitated,--fascinated yet
fearful,--the reply was always the same--

"I've slaved hard enough all these years! This is my holiday. I've
come home to enjoy myself, and see you enjoy yourselves, and I'm not
going to worry my head about shillings. For pity's sake take what you