solemnity his explanation reflected nothing but credit upon his
character.

"The fact is," said he, "that I am shortly going to rejoin my daughter
in Scotland. You are aware of her disposition, Baroness?"

"I have heard that she is inclined to be devotional."

"She is devotional," answered this excellent man. "I have taken
considerable pains to see to it. As your mother and I have often agreed,
there is no such safeguard for a young girl as a hobby or mania of this
sort."

"A hobby or mania?" exclaimed the Baroness in a pained voice.

Sir Justin looked annoyed. He was evidently surprised to find that the
principles inculcated by his old friend and himself appeared to outlive
the occasion for which they were intended--to wit, the protection
of virgin hearts from undesirable aspirations till calm reason and a
husband should render them unnecessary.

"I use the terms employed by the philosophical," he hastened to explain;
"but my own opinion is inclined to coincide with yours, my dear Alicia."

This paternal use of her Christian name, coupled with the kindly tone of
his justification, encouraged the Baroness to open her business.

"Sir Justin," she began, "can I trust you--may I ask you not to tell my
mother that I have visited you?"

"If you can show me an adequate reason, you may rely upon my
discretion," said the ex-diplomatist cautiously, yet with an encouraging
smile.

"In some things one would sooner confide in a man than a woman, Sir
Justin."

"That is undoubtedly true," he agreed cordially. "You may confide in me,
Baroness."

"I have heard from my husband again. I need not show you the letter;
it is quite satisfactory--oh, quite, I assure you! Only I found this
enclosed with it."

In breathless silence she watched him examine critically first the
heather and then the verses.

"Lord Tulliwuddle!" he exclaimed. "Is there anything in the Baron's
letter to throw any light upon this?"

"Not one word--not the slightest hint."

Again he studied the paper.

"Oh, what does it mean?" she cried. "I came to you because you know all
about the Tulliwuddles. Where is Lord Tulliwuddle now?"

"I am not acquainted with the present peer," he ansevered meditatively.
"In fact, I know singularly little about him. I did hear--yes, I heard
from my daughter some rumor that he was shortly expected to visit his
place in Scotland; but whether he went there or not I cannot say."

"You can find out for me?"

"I shal