e broad
forehead, the overhanging brows, the square, massive chin, and
brightened with a flash of approval.

"You are a nice boy," she said slowly. "I like you! You don't really
need my help, but you thought it would cheer me to feel that I was
wanted. Yes; I'll be your partner, and I'll be of real use to you yet.
You'll find that out, Robert Darcy, before you have done with me."

"All right, so much the better. I hope you will; but you know you can't
expect to have your own way all the time. I'm the senior partner, and
you will have to do what I tell you. Now I say it's damp in this hole,
and you ought to come back to the house at once. It's enough to kill
you to sit in this draught."

"I'd rather like to be killed. I'm tired of life. I shouldn't mind
dying a bit."

"Humph!" said Robert shortly. "Jolly cheerful news that would be for
your poor mother when she arrived at the end of her journey! Don't be
so selfish. Now then, up you get! Come along to the house."

"I wo--" Peggy began, then suddenly softened, and glanced apologetically
into his face. "Yes, I will, because you ask me. Smuggle me up to my
room, Robert, and don't, don't, if you love me, let Mellicent come near
me! I couldn't stand her chatter to-night!"

"She will have to fight her way over my dead body," said Robert firmly;
and Peggy's sweet little laugh quavered out on the air.

"Nice boy!" she repeated heartily. "Nice boy; I do like you!"

CHAPTER SEVEN.

AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHERS.

Peggy looked very sad and wan after her mother's departure, but her
companions soon discovered that anything like outspoken sympathy was
unwelcome. The redder her eyes, the more erect and dignified was her
demeanour; if her lips trembled when she spoke, the more grandiose and
formidable became her conversation, for Peggy's love of long words and
high-sounding expressions was fully recognised by this time, and caused
much amusement in the family.

A few days after Mrs Saville sailed, a welcome diversion arrived in the
shape of the promised camera. The Parcels Delivery van drove up to the
door, and two large cases were delivered, one of which was found to
contain the camera itself, the tripod and a portable dark room, while
the other held such a collection of plates, printing-frames, and
chemicals as delighted the eyes of the beholders. It was the gift of
one who possessed not only a deep purse, but a most true and thoughtful
kindness, for, whe