as a pack of cards.

The demure and somewhat stately spinster he was expecting to see was
certainly not en evidence in this gray-haired, radiant-looking woman;
the soft, girlish bloom and the silvery hair were wonderfully
attractive; and yet what struck him most, with a sort of indefinable
surprise, was the mingled gentleness and brightness of expression;
there was such a wonderful clearness in the eyes--it somehow reminded
him of the innocent look of a happy child.

And it was to this sweet woman that Cedric was talking in that cavalier
fashion--with much affection certainly, but little reverence, after the
manner of the nineteenth-century youth. More than once Malcolm muttered
"Jackanapes" under his breath, and once he interposed.

"Our young friend is too modern in his notions, Miss Templeton," he
observed. "Young Oxford is so cock-sure of everything under the sun--it
is a fault of the age."

"Oh, do you think so?" and Miss Templeton looked relieved; for the
moment her serenity had seemed slightly clouded with what her sister
always called her "hen and duckling look."

"Oh, you may laugh, Cedric," looking at him fondly, "but I intend to
believe Mr. Herrick, he is older and more experienced. Oh, we have such
arguments sometimes," turning to Malcolm. "Cedric will have it that we
are not sufficiently up-to-date. We are mediaeval or in the Dark Ages,
according to him, but how is one to alter one's nature or to talk
unknown languages? My sister and I are very conservative, and we cling
to the beliefs and loves of the past."

"I don't believe Cedric wants to change you in the least, Miss
Templeton; he is only posing a bit for your edification, and trying to
make you think that he is as clever as he looks."

"Come now, draw it mild," growled Cedric. And then he looked
discontentedly round the room. "Where's Dick and the rest of the
fellows? I bet you anything you like, Die, that they are down with
Elizabeth at the Pool."

Dinah smiled as she rose from the table. "You are right, dear," she
returned composedly, "I saw the whole train following her as usual.
Dick wanted to go with the dog-cart,--he knew his master was expected,
but Forbes said it was too hot for the run. If you are ready, Cedric,
we might go down to the Pool now." And as Cedric graciously intimated
his readiness, Dinah led the way through the flower-garden, only
pausing on the rustic bridge to let Malcolm lean over and admire the
hanging gardens belo