uch for Janet."

"That was only at first, till you proved yourself such a wonderful nurse
and housekeeper," said Graeme; "and you were not at all homesick
yourself, I suppose?"

"Perhaps just a little at first, in those hot, dreary days," said Rose,
gravely; "but I was not homesick very long."

"I am afraid there were a good many dreary days about that time--more
than you let me know about," said Arthur.

Graeme smiled and shook her head.

"I am afraid you had a good many anxious days about that time. If I had
known how hard you would have to work, I think I would have stayed in
Merleville after all."

"Pooh! Nonsense! Hard work is wholesome. And at the very worst time,
what with one thing and another, we had a larger income than my father
had in Merleville."

"But that was quite different--"

"Did I tell you that I have got a new client? I have done business for
Mr Stone before, but to-day it was intimated to me, that henceforth I
am to be the legal adviser of the prosperous firm of `Grove & Stone.'
It will add something to our income, little woman."

Rose clapped her hands, and stooping down, whispered something in her
brother's ear.

"Don't be planning any extravagance, you two, on the strength of `Grove
& Stone.' You know any superfluous wealth we may have, is already
appropriated," said Graeme.

"To the Merleville visit. But this is not at all an extravagance, is
it, Arthur?" said Rose.

"That depends--. I am afraid Graeme is the best judge. But we won't
tell her to-night. We must break the matter to her gently," said
Arthur.

"Graeme is so dreadfully prudent," sighed Rose.

Graeme laughed.

"It is well there is one prudent one among us."

"I don't believe she would at all approve of your smoking another cigar,
for instance. They are nicer than usual, are they not?" said Rose,
inhaling the fragrance from her brother's case.

"Yes. I treated myself to a few of the very best, on the strength of
Grove & Stone. They are very nice. Have one?"

Rose took it with great gravity.

"Suppose we take a little walk first, and smoke afterwards," said she,
coaxingly.

Arthur made a grimace.

"And where will you beguile me to, when you get me fairly out?"

"There is no telling, indeed," said Rose. "Graeme, I am going to put on
my new hat. When Mr Elliott honours us with his company, we must look
our very best, you know."

"But, Arthur, you have an engagement to-night. Don't you reme