than
the warmth of the weather; but of that she did not speak as yet.
Picotee's room was an attic, with windows in the roof--a chamber dismal
enough at all times, and very shadowy now. While Picotee was wrapping
up, Ethelberta placed a chair under the window, and mounting upon this
they stepped outside, and seated themselves within the parapet.

The air was as clear and fresh as on a mountain side; sparrows chattered,
and birds of a species unsuspected at later hours could be heard singing
in the park hard by, while here and there on ridges and flats a cat might
be seen going calmly home from the devilries of the night to resume the
amiabilities of the day.

'I am so sorry I was asleep when you reached home,' said Picotee. 'I was
so anxious to tell you something I heard of, and to know what you did;
but my eyes would shut, try as I might, and then I tried no longer. Did
you see me at all, Berta?'

'Never once. I had an impression that you were there. I fancied you
were from father's carefully vacuous look whenever I glanced at his face.
But were you careful about what you said, and did you see Menlove? I
felt all the time that I had done wrong in letting you come; the
gratification to you was not worth the risk to me.'

'I saw her, and talked to her. But I am certain she suspected nothing. I
enjoyed myself very much, and there was no risk at all.'

'I am glad it is no worse news. However, you must not go there again:
upon that point I am determined.'

'It was a good thing I did go, all the same. I'll tell you why when you
have told me what happened to you.'

'Nothing of importance happened to me.'

'I expect you got to know the lord you were to meet?'

'O yes--Lord Mountclere.'

'And it's dreadful how fond he is of you--quite ridiculously taken up
with you--I saw that well enough. Such an old man, too; I wouldn't have
him for the world!'

'Don't jump at conclusions so absurdly, Picotee. Why wouldn't you have
him for the world?'

'Because he is old enough to be my grandfather, and yours too.'

'Indeed he is not; he is only middle-aged.'

'O Berta! Sixty-five at least.'

'He may or may not be that; and if he is, it is not old. He is so
entertaining that one forgets all about age in connection with him.'

'He laughs like this--"Hee-hee-hee!"' Picotee introduced as much
antiquity into her face as she could by screwing it up and suiting the
action to the word.

'This very odd thing occur