in a thoughtful voice, "he will be delighted. Mary's sketches
are very spirited, and Sir John loves people to appreciate his place.
He will ask you what you think about it at lunch, Florry; you had
really better let me show you round a bit."

"If that is the case, certainly," said Florence. She got up, and she
and Kitty began to wander through the different grounds. They had
nearly completed their peregrinations, having wandered over many acres
of cultivated and lovely land, when the luncheon bell summoned them
back to the house.

"Oh, I am so hungry," said Kitty, "and Sir John has the most splendid
luncheons. I wonder where Mary is."

The girls looked to right and left, but could not see a sign of Mary
Bateman anywhere. They approached the house. A great big colley came
up, wagging his tail slowly, and thrust his nose into Kitty's hand.

"Dear old Watch, how sweet you are!" said the girl.

She bent down, flinging her arms round the colley's neck, and pressed a
kiss on a white star on his forehead.

Just then Sir John's voice was heard calling them. "Hey, little
women," he said, "I hope you had a pleasant time and enjoyed yourselves
as much as I meant you to."

"Yes, I have enjoyed myself immensely," said Kitty. "Haven't you, too,
Florry!"

"Yes," replied Florence, "I like the place and the gardens."

In spite of herself she spoke in a stiff, constrained voice; she felt
that Sir John's eye was upon her. She wondered how Kitty could forget
all that hung upon this visit.

Kitty's face was quite careless and happy, there was a wild-rose bloom
on her cheeks which did not visit them very often, and her large
pathetic grey eyes looked more beautiful than ever.

Mrs. Clavering now came forward.

"Come upstairs, dears," she said, "and wash your hands before lunch."

The girls followed their mistress up the great central hall and
ascended the low oak stairs. They entered a bedroom magnificently
furnished.

"What a great delightful place this is!" said Florence; "fancy any one
person owning it!" She heaved a quick sigh as she spoke.

"It is a great responsibility having a place like this and so much
money," answered Mrs. Clavering. "Florence dear, I don't want to
preach--in fact, there is nothing I hate more, but I should like to say
one thing. Happiness in the world is far more evenly divided than
anyone has the least idea of. Riches are eagerly coveted by those who
are poor, but the rich have im