ts even the nicest people. It's the most tiresome
institution there is."

"Then why do it?" he suggested, with a smile.

She shook her head severely.

"Don't be immoral, Bertie! You're trying to tempt me from my duty."

"Never!" he declared earnestly.

"Oh, but you are; and I am not sure that you are not neglecting your own
as well. What brought you out at this hour?"

He spread out his hands. "Mr. Mordaunt has ordered me to take a rest
to-day."

Chris looked up at him sharply. "Aren't you well, Bertie?"

"But it is nothing," he said. "I have told him. It happens to me
often--often--that I do not sleep. I have explained all that. But what
would you? He is obstinate--he will not listen."

Chris patted a hammock-chair beside her. "Sit down at once. I knew there
was something the matter directly I saw you this morning. But you always
look horribly tired. Do you never sleep properly?"

He dropped into the chair and stretched up his arms with a sigh. "It is
only in the morning that I am tired," he said. "It is nothing--a weakness
that passes. Or if it passes not--I go."

"Go!" repeated Chris, startled.

He turned his head towards her. "That surprises you, yes? But how can I
remain if I cannot work?"

"Oh, but you haven't been here a fortnight," she said quickly. "I expect
the change of air has upset you. And it has been so hot too."

He acquiesced languidly, as if not greatly interested. His dark eyes
watched her gravely. Evidently his thoughts had wandered from himself.

Chris was not slow to perceive this. "What are you thinking of?" she
demanded.

"I am thinking of you," he answered promptly.

"What of me?" The blue eyes met his quite openly. Chris was always frank
to her pals.

"I was thinking," he said, in his soft, friendly voice, "how you were
happy, and how I was glad."

She threw him a quick smile. "How nice of you, Bertie! And how
beautifully French! But, you know, I shan't be happy if you talk of
leaving us. It will spoil everything, and I shall be absolutely
miserable."

"You were not miserable before I joined you, no?" he said, smiling back
at her.

"Of course I wasn't. But that was quite different. I knew all the while
that you were coming. I should have been if anything had happened to
prevent you."

"Really?" he said thoughtfully.

"Yes, really!" Chris was emphatic. "And I am sure there is nothing much
the matter with you, Bertie; now, is there?"

He scarcely responded. "It wi