girl loves more than a
mingling of manliness and reverence in the man who singles her out for
attention.

"He is a good man; I like him," was the mental comment. Aloud she said
dreamily, "Gordon is my hero. I love to hear about him. He was too
generous to others to heap up money for himself. I suppose he didn't
care about it. I wish I didn't, but I do. It's so very distressing to
be always short of money. All the good people in books are poor, but
for myself I think it's bad for the temper. They talk about the peril
of riches, but I should like to try it for myself, wouldn't you, Mr
Hilliard?"

Hilliard smiled--a quiet, amused smile.

"Well, I don't know. Everything is comparative. If some people would
think us poor, others would most certainly consider us very rich indeed.
We have all that we need, and for myself I'm quite content. I manage
to have a very good time."

"And you get away for holidays like this. That must make it easier.
Have you to work very hard? What is your work? In what way do you make
your living?"

Once more Hilliard smiled in amusement, and in truth there was a
directness about Esmeralda's questionings which was as unusual as it was
unconscious. He put up his hand and stroked one end of his curly
moustache.

"Glue!"

"Glue!" echoed Esmeralda shrilly.

"Glue!" shrieked Pixie in even shriller echo.

The two pairs of eyes were fixed upon him in horrified incredulity. The
pity, the commiseration of their expressions was touching to behold.

"Oh, poor fellow!" sighed Esmeralda softly. "You _must_ be poor! How
can anyone manage to make a living out of--glue?"

"But you know, Esmeralda darling, it is useful! We break such heaps of
things ourselves. We often use it," urged Pixie anxiously; and at this
her sister brightened visibly.

"We do. That's true for you, Pixie. Perhaps it's your glue we use, Mr
Hilliard. Dear me, it will be quite cheering when we break anything
after this! We shall feel we are helping a friend by our misfortune."

"That's very kind of you. I'll remember that you said that, and it will
cheer me too," replied Hilliard gallantly, and at that very moment a
sound came to the ears of all. "The gong! It must be tea-time. They
are sounding it to let us hear. I hope I have not kept you out too
long."

Ten minutes later they were all seated in the hall enjoying tea and
scones, while Bridgie smiled sweetly on their flushed, animated faces.

"