were not anxious about me?'

'No,' she said, smiling. 'Papa said you would be sure to distinguish
yourself.'

'Did he? I am very much obliged to Colonel Gainsborough.'

'What for?'

'Why, for his good opinion.'

'But he couldn't help his opinion,' said Esther.

'Queen Esther,' said Pitt, laughing, 'I don't know about that. People
sometimes hold opinions they have no business to hold, and that they
would not hold, if they were not perverse-minded.'

Esther's face had all changed since he came in. The premature gravity
and sadness was entirely dispersed; the eyes were full of beautiful
light, the mouth taking a great many curves corresponding to as many
alternations and shades of sympathy, and a slight colour of interest
and pleasure had risen in the cheeks. If Pitt had vanity to gratify, it
was gratified; but he had something better, he had a genuine kindness
and liking for the little girl, which had suffered absolute pain, when
he saw how his absence and silence had worked. Now the two were in full
enjoyment of the old relations and the old intercourse, when the door
opened, and Mrs. Barker's head appeared.

'Miss Esther, it's your time.'

'Time for what?' asked Pitt.

'It's my time for going to bed,' said Esther, rising. 'I'll come, Mrs.
Barker.'

'Queen Esther, does that woman say what you are to do and not do?' said
Pitt, in some indignation.

'Oh no; but papa. He likes me not to be up later than nine o'clock.'

'What has Barker to do with it? I think she wants putting in her place.'

'She always goes with me and attends to me. Yes, I must go,' said
Esther.

'But the colonel is not here to be disturbed.'

'He would be disturbed, if I didn't go at the right time. Good-night,
Pitt.'

'Well, till to-morrow,' said the young man, taking Esther's hand and
kissing it. 'But this is what I call a very summary proceeding. Queen
Esther, does your majesty always do what you are expected to do, and
take orders from everybody!'

'No; only from papa and you. Good-night, Pitt. Yes, I'll be ready
to-morrow.'

CHAPTER VIII.

_A NOSEGAY_.

Pitt walked home, half amused at himself that he should take so much
pains about this little girl, at the same time very firmly resolved
that nothing should hinder him. Perhaps his liking for her was deeper
than he knew; it was certainly real; while his kindly and generous
temper responded promptly to every appeal that her affection and
confidence made upon him.