sung.

"Why, then I am a 'belle,' a 'toast,'" she says, endeavoring
unsuccessfully to see her image in the little basin of water that has
gathered at the foot of the rocks; "while you," turning to run five
white fingers over his hair caressingly, and then all down his face,
"you are the most delightful person I ever met. It is so easy to
believe what you tell one, and so pleasant. I have half a mind to--kiss
you!"

"Don't stop there: have a whole mind," says Luttrell, eagerly. "Kiss me
at once, before the fancy evaporates."

"No," holding him back with one lazy finger (he is easy to be
repulsed), "on second thought I will reserve my caress. Some other
time, when you are good,--perhaps. By the bye, Ted, did you really mean
you would take me to Vienna?"

"Yes, if you would care to go there."

"Care? that is not the question. It will cost a great deal of money to
get there, won't it? Shall we be able to afford it?"

"No doubt the governor will stand to me, and give a check for the
occasion," says Luttrell, warming to the subject. "Anyhow, you shall
go, if you wish it."

"Wait until your father hears you have wedded a pauper, and then you
will see what a check you will get," says Miss Massereene, with a
contemptible attempt at a joke.

"A pun!" says Luttrell, springing to his feet with a groan; "that means
a pinch. So prepare."

"I forbid you," cries she, inwardly quaking, and, rising hurriedly,
stands well away from him, with her petticoats caught together in one
hand ready for flight. "I won't allow you. Don't attempt to touch me."

"It is the law of the land," declares he, advancing on her, while she
as steadily retreats.

"Dear Teddy, good Teddy," cries she, "spare me this time, and I will
never do it again--no, not though it should tremble forever on the tip
of my tongue. As you are strong, be merciful. Do forgive me this once."

"Impossible."

"Then I defy you," retorts Miss Massereene, who, having manoeuvred until
she has placed a good distance between herself and the foe, now turns,
and flies through the trees, making very successful running for the open
beyond. Not until they are within full view of the house does he manage
to come up with her. And then the presence of John sunning himself on
the hall-door step, surrounded by his family, effectually prevents her
ever obtaining that richly-deserved punishment.

CHAPTER IX.

"After long years."

It is raining, not only raining, but pour