eakness there too," returned the lady. "It is quite
evident that you would never do for a nurse. Strong men like you have
not sympathy enough to put yourself in the place of invalids, and think
how they feel. I would scold you severely, sir, if you were not my
guest. As it is, I will forgive you if you promise me not to mention
the subject of botany in the presence of my niece for a week to come."

"The condition is hard," said Barret, with a laugh; "but I promise--that
is, if Miss Moss does not force the subject on me."

"I promise that, Mr Barret; but I also attach a condition."

"Which is--?"

"That you go to Eagle Cliff some day this week, and find for me a
particular plant for which I have sought for a long time in vain, but
which I am told is to be found there."

"Most willingly. Nothing could give me greater pleasure," returned the
youth, with an air of such eager enthusiasm that he felt constrained to
add,--"you see, the acquisition of new and rare plants has been a sort
of passion with me for many years, and I am quite delighted to find that
there is a possibility of not only gratifying it here, but of being able
at the same time to contribute to your happiness."

They reached the house as he made this gallant speech, and Milly went
straight to her room.

The only members of the household who sat down to luncheon that day were
Mrs Gordon, Archie, the enthusiastic photographer, and Flo, with her
black doll; and the only guest, besides Barret, was McPherson, the
skipper of the lost yacht. The rest were all out rambling by mountain,
loch, or stream.

"Milly won't appear again to-day," said the hostess, as she sat down.
"I knew that she had overdone it. The shock to her system has been far
too severe to admit of botanical discussions."

Barret professed himself overwhelmed with a sense of guilt, and promised
to avoid the dangerous subject in future.

"Mother," exclaimed Flo, who was a good but irrepressible child, "what
d'ee t'ink? Archie have pofografft dolly, an' she's as like as--as--two
peas. Isn't she, Archie?"

"Quite as like as that, Flo," replied Archie, with a laugh; "liker, if
anything."

"By the way, how did you get on with your photographing yesterday
afternoon, Archie?" asked Barret.

"Pretty well with some of the views; but I ruined the last one, because
father would have me introduce Captain McPherson and his man McGregor."

"Is that so, captain?" asked Mrs Gordon.

"Oo, a