I said to myself, "as soon as these Englishmen have left
the island." But then my mind reverted to the Fixed Period, and to
the fast-approaching time for Crasweller's deposition. We were now
nearly through March, and the thirtieth of June was the day on which
he ought to be led to the college. It was my first anxiety to get rid
of these Englishmen before the subject should be again ventilated.
I own I was anxious that they should not return to their country
with their prejudices strengthened by what they might hear at
Gladstonopolis. If I could only get them to go before the matter was
again debated, it might be that no strong public feeling would be
excited in England till it was too late. That was my first desire;
but then I was also anxious to get rid of Jack for a short time. The
more I thought of Eva and the flocks, the more determined was I not
to allow the personal interests of my boy,--and therefore my own,--to
clash in any way with the performance of my public duties.

I heard that the Englishmen were not to go till another week had
elapsed. A week was necessary to recruit their strength and to enable
them to pack up their bats and bicycles. Neither, however, were
packed up till the day before they started; for the track down to
Little Christchurch was crowded with them, and they were still
practising as though another match were contemplated. I was very glad
to have Lord Marylebone as an inmate in our house, but I acknowledge
that I was anxious for him to say something as to his departure. "We
have been very proud to have you here, my lord," I remarked.

"I cannot say that we are very proud," he replied, "because we have
been so awfully licked. Barring that, I never spent a pleasanter two
months in my life, and should not be at all unwilling to stay for
another. Your mode of life here seems to me to be quite delightful,
and we have been thinking so much of our cricket, that I have hardly
as yet had a moment to look at your institutions. What is all this
about the Fixed Period?" Jack, who was present, put on a serious
face, and assumed that air of determination which I was beginning
to fear. Mrs Neverbend pursed up her lips, and said nothing; but
I knew what was passing through her mind. I managed to turn the
conversation, but I was aware that I did it very lamely.

"Jack," I said to my son, "I got a post-card from New Zealand
yesterday." The boats had just begun to run between the two islands
six days a-we