adies' benefit, and the succession of curious
unknown dishes which he sent to table would have puzzled more
experienced "diners out" than the members of the present party. A
prettier scene could hardly be imagined than the table under the trees,
with the green lawn sweeping away on either side, the foreign servants
flitting to and fro, and the six girlish faces of the guests beaming
with delighted approval. Elsie's eyes grew large and dreamy, as she
mentally rehearsed the most appropriate language in which to chronicle
the event in her diary. Such expressions as "Arabian Nights
entertainment," "Green sward," and "Princely Splendour," figured largely
in the description, which ran to an inordinate length, and still seemed
to have left half the wonders untold.

Nan spoke little during the meal, but, like the proverbial parrot,
noticed much. She noticed that, though the utmost courtesy was
maintained between uncle and nephew, the elder man was evidently annoyed
by the persistent nonchalance of the younger; and she had a shrewd
suspicion that Gervase knew as much, yet did not trouble himself to
rectify it. She noticed that, while Ned was depressed, Lilias's mood
was of the gayest and sweetest; and she noticed that Gervase noticed as
much, and studied the lovers narrowly from his point of vantage across
the table. She heard dear old Agatha discussing politics with her host,
and quoting her father wholesale in her gallant attempt to be grown up
and important; and she chuckled audibly over the two schoolgirls'
enjoyment of the fare. Then at last the meal was over, and she heaved a
sigh of relief that all had passed off without catastrophe and with
credit to the family. No one had broken the fragile glass, no one had
betrayed a plebeian ignorance of the _convenances_, nor showed ill-bred
surprise. They had examined the _menu_ with an understanding air, as
though every other name was not as Greek to their ears, and had
refrained from any signs of approval more noticeable than pressures of
feet under the table, and occasional sly joltings of elbows.

The two ladies stayed beside Mr Vanburgh, while the younger members of
the party strolled about the grounds, Gervase Vanburgh first walking
with Lilias, and then making an excuse to cross to Nan's side. He
smiled as he came, and his first words showed that he had grasped the
situation without any need for words.

"I shall get myself disliked if I stay there any longer! Mr