I won't
stir. How can you talk in that wild way about no shade, when you have
this beautiful apple-tree right over your head? Come and sit at this
side; perhaps," with a smile, "you will feel more comfortable--next to
me?"

Thus beguiled, he yields, and seats himself beside her--very much
beside her--and reconciles himself to his fate.

"I wish you would remember," she says, presently, "that you have
nothing on your head. I would not be rash if I were you. Take my advice
and open the umbrella again, or you will assuredly be having a
sun-stroke."

This is one for him and two for herself; and--need I say?--the family
friend is once more unfurled, and waves to and fro majestically in the
soft wind.

"Now, don't you feel better?" asks Molly, placing her two fingers
beneath his chin, and turning his still rather angry face toward her.

"I do," replies he; and a smile creeping up into his eyes slays the
chagrin that still lingers there, but half _perdu_.

"And--are you happy?"

"Very."

"Intensely happy?"

"Yes."

"So much so that you could not be more so?"

"Yes," replies he again, laughing, and slipping his arm round her
waist. "And you?" tenderly.

"Oh, I'm all right!" says Miss Massereene, with much graciousness, but
rather disheartening vivacity. "And now begin, Teddy, and tell me all
about Herst Royal and its inmates. First, is it a pretty place?"

"It is a magnificent place. But for its attractions, and his twenty
thousand pounds a year, I don't believe your grandfather would be known
by any one; he is such a regular old bear. Yet he is fond of society,
and is never content until he has the house crammed with people, from
garret to basement, to whom he makes himself odiously disagreeable
whenever occasion offers. I have an invitation there for September and
October."

"Will you go?"

"I don't know. I have hardly made up my mind. I have been asked to the
Careys, and the Brownes also; and I rather fancy the Brownes. They are
the most affording people I ever met: one always puts in such a good
time at their place. But for one reason I would go there."

"What reason?"

"That Herst is so much nearer to Brooklyn," with a fond smile. "And,
perhaps, if I came over once or twice, you would be glad to see me?"

"Oh, would I not!" cries Molly, her faultless face lighting up at his
words. "You may be sure of it. You won't forget, will you? And you will
come early, so as to spend the entire day here, and