say I am foolish."

They walked on in silence for a little, and then Graeme said,--

"I hope it is only that I am foolish. But we have been so happy lately;
and I mind papa and Janet both said to me--it was just when we were
beginning to fear for Menie--that just as soon as people were beginning
to settle down content, some change would come. It proved so then."

"Yes; I suppose so," said Arthur, with a sigh. "We must expect changes;
and scarcely any change would be for the better as far as we are
concerned. But, Graeme, we must not allow ourselves to become fanciful.
And I am quite sure that after all your care for Harry, and for us all,
you will not have to suffer on his account. That would be too sad."

They said no more till they overtook the children,--as Rose and Will
were still called in this happy household.

"I have a good mind not to go, after all. I would much rather stay
quietly at home," said Arthur, sitting down on the steps.

"But you promised," said Graeme. "You must go. I will get a light, and
you need not stay long."

"You must go, of course," said Rose. "And Graeme and I will have a nice
quiet evening. I am going to practise the new music you brought home."

"A quiet evening," said Will.

"Yes; I have rather neglected my music of late, and other things, too.
I'm sure, I don't know where the time goes to. I wish I were going with
you, Arthur."

"You are far better at home."

"Yes, indeed," said Graeme; and Will added,--

"A child like Rosie!"

"Well, be sure and look well at all the dresses, especially Miss
Grove's, and tell me all about them."

"Yes; especially Miss Grove, if I get a glimpse of her in the crowd,
which is doubtful."

"Well, good-night," said Rose. "I don't believe there will be a
gentleman there to compare to you."

Arthur bowed low.

"I suppose I ought to say there will be no one there to compare with
you. And I would, if I could conscientiously. But `fine feathers make
fine birds,' and Miss Grove aspires to be a belle it seems,--and, many
who don't aspire to such distinction, will, with the help of the
dressmaker, eclipse the little Scottish Rose of our garden. Good-night
to you all--and Graeme, mind you are not to sit up for me past your
usual time."

He went away, leaving Rose to her practising, Will to his books, and
Graeme to pace up and down the gallery in the moonlight, and think her
own thoughts. They were not very sad thoughts, though Ar