ou'll never go again," commented Bunny, entering at the moment,
"Maud, do you know I took--Miss Larpent--" he turned deliberately to Toby
who snapped her fingers in airy acknowledgment--"to see the races instead
of coming straight back--according to the boss's instructions."

"Oh! So that's where you've been!" said Maud.

"Exactly so." Bunny pulled up a chair and disposed his long legs astride
it. "We saw several events, and made a bit. Then Forest Fire let us down
badly and we lost the lot. After that we went into the paddock to cool
ourselves and met the boss, who at once--somewhat rudely--ordered us
home. I have an impression he's feeling waxy with me for some reason,"
Bunny ended, stroking his chin reflectively. "Daresay I shall get over
it, however."

"What a pity you went!" said Maud.

"Not at all," said Bunny. "We enjoyed it. It's fun doing naughty things
sometimes, isn't it,--er--Miss Larpent?"

"Don't be an ass!" said Toby tersely.

Maud raised her brows, but Bunny grinned with delight. "Thank you Toby! I
take the hint. There shall be no more ceremony between us. Ah! There come
the children along the path by the summerhouse!" he sprang to the window
and sent forth a yell, turning back almost instantly to say, "Sorry,
Maud! I'm afraid I forgot your head. How is it?"

He did not wait for her reply, but leaned out again immediately to
address the advancing children with noisy gayety.

Toby looked up at Maud, hesitated, and rose. "Let us go and have tea with
the children!" she said. "It will be quieter for you."

Maud put out a gentle hand to her. "No, dear. You stay with me. Bunny may
if he likes!"

This time Toby's fingers closed tightly upon her own. "Sure?" said Toby.

"Quite sure," said Maud, smiling at her.

Toby turned sharply and pinched Bunny's elbow as he leaned from the
window. He drew himself in and stared at her.

"You're making too much noise," she told him curtly. "You go and racket
downstairs!"

Bunny's eyes widened for a second in indignant amazement, then abruptly
he threw up his chin and laughed. "I like you!" he declared. "You're the
cockiest thing in girls I've ever seen!"

Toby pulled at his elbow like a small, persistent dog. "Go on!" she
commanded. "Go down to them! Mrs. Bolton and I want to have our tea
alone. I'll come and play with you presently--if you're good."

It was spoken wholly without coquetry, much as an elder brother might
speak to a younger. It was plain that