t soon. And, besides,
we're going abroad--you and mummy and I. I'm going to take you!' She
sat up, tossing her pretty head, her eyes as bright as stars.

'And be thinking all the time of the Canadian chap?--bored with
everything!' growled Fenwick.

Carrie surveyed him. A film of tears sparkled.

'I'm never bored. Father!'--she held herself erect, throwing all her
soul into every word--'George is--_awfully--nice!_'

Ah! the 'life-force'! There it was before him, embodied in this light,
ardent creature, on whose brown head and white dress the June sun
streamed through the sycamore-leaves. With a groan--suddenly--Fenwick
weakened.

'What's his horrid name?--who is he?--quick!'

Carrie gave a little crow--and began to talk, sitting there on the
grass, with her hands round her knees. The interloper, it appeared,
had every virtue and every prospect. What was to be done? Presently
Carrie crept up to him again.

'Father!--he wants to come to Europe. When you've found a plan--if we
let him come and hitch up alongside of us somewhere--why, he
wouldn't be any trouble!--_I'd_ see to that! And you don't know
whether--whether a son--mightn't suit you! Why!--you've never tried!'

He made an effort, and held her at arm's length.

'I tell you, I can say nothing about it--nothing--till George has
written to _me_!'

'But he has--this mail!' And in triumph she hastily dragged a letter
out of the little bag at her waist, and gave it him. 'It came this
afternoon, only I didn't know if you might have it.'

He laughed excitedly, and took it.

An hour later Fenwick rose. The day had grown cool. A fresh breeze was
blowing from the north down the fell-side. He put his arm round Carrie
as she stood beside him, kissed her, and in a gruff, unintelligible
voice, murmured something that brought the tears again to her eyes.
Then he announced that he was going for a short walk. Neither Phoebe
nor Miss Anna were to be seen. Carrie protested on the score of his
health.

'Nonsense! The doctor said I might do what I felt I could do.'

'Then you must say good-bye to me. For Miss Anna and I are going
directly.'

Fenwick looked scared, but was soon reminded that Miss Anna was
to drive the child that evening to Bowness, where Carrie was to be
introduced to some old friends of Miss Anna's and stay with them a
couple of days. He evidently did not like the prospect, but he made
no audible protest against it, as he would perhaps have done a week