ow again at six. 'Sit down and wait,' I says
to him, the last time; 'they will surely be home for dinner; never have
they missed since first they came,' says I; and sit down he did--and
there he sits; and doesn't he look noble, sitting there! Genevieve's
that nervous she drops everything she touches."

John and Phyllis exchanged looks. He smiled as easily as he could.

"Would you like it if I walked about a bit--or dropped in on old
Rowlandson, while you talk with your uncle?" he asked.

"I want you with me, John. I need you," said Phyllis.

"Together's the word," he replied, and they mounted the stairs.

So far as Phyllis was concerned, it was all over in a moment.

Sir Peter rose when they entered. She gave one look at his sad, white
face, and drawn mouth.

"Oh, Uncle Peter!" she cried; and was in his arms.

He tried to say the words he had humbly learned.

"I have your pardon to ask, my dear--"

That was as far as he got. She put both hands over his mouth; and
withdrew them only to kiss him and whispered--

"It is I who should ask your pardon, Uncle Peter. I have been very, very
naughty, And I am very, very sorry."

Now, when Sir Peter heard that childish formula, he seemed to hold in
his arms the little girl who had repeated it, many times, under the
instructions of Mrs. Burbage. The years slipped away. He held her close;
the wounds were healed.

When two men have a disagreeable interview before them, each maneuvers
for position. The one who gets the fireplace back of him has an
advantage. It isn't impregnable, but the other fellow must force the
fighting. The place may be carried by storm; but it takes a spirited
action. John executed a flank movement, while his ally engaged the
enemy. He got the fireplace; it was a small one, but it was his own.

One wishes John well out of this scene; our hopes are high for him; but
he is a queer chap; you never know how to take him, nor what he will
say, or do. We can only wish him well; and observe that he carries his
chin high.

Sir Peter released Phyllis, and then turned to John.

"I wish to apologize to you, Landless," said Sir Peter, and crossed the
room; he offered his hand; John took it and they stood for a moment so,
neither speaking.

"I hope you can forgive what I said," Sir Peter concluded.

"I did that before we left your house--that morning," said John. "Don't
say anything more about it, sir, please. I should have been as angry as
you were--und