r
happiness--a little of it--with the grumpy old fellow aforesaid? He does
not like to base his plea to them on his need of the little girl he has
loved so many years; nor on his need of the marvelous gifts of the young
prince, though they are especially needed just at this time, as I shall
tell you. Now, John," said Sir Peter, in his most engaging way, "advise
me about this. What ground should he base his petition upon in order to
win his case? Because he is more anxious to win this case than he was to
finish the Natal bridge,--and he was terribly anxious about that,--as
you will hear, one of these days."

John glanced toward Phyllis; she instantly turned her head, and looked
resolutely in the opposite direction. She felt that the answer to Sir
Peter's question belonged to John. Sir Peter saw John waver; he caught
his glance at Phyllis; and, like a good campaigner, followed up the
attack.

"I need your assistance just now, John, very badly," said Sir Peter.
"For years my friends in the British Engineering Society have been
urging me to prepare and publish my recollections. Some of them went to
Allan Robertson's Sons, the publishers, about it and they have given me
no peace since I was weak enough to make a promise that they should have
the book. 'Recollections of an Engineer, 1874-1910,' it is to be called.
Now,--if you would help me I could do it easily. And we would have some
good times over it, I hope."

John glanced at Phyllis again; but she would not look at him. It was
very hard not to at the time; but Phyllis was so glad afterward that she
didn't.

Sir Peter got up from his chair, and stood in front of John, both hands
on his shoulders.

"Dear lad," he said. "In a few years you and Phyllis will have all that
is mine in the world. You can't prevent that--with all your pride--for
which I honor you. In a few years it will all be yours. For those few
years will you not share it with me--and let them be peaceful and happy
years?"

John turned his face away.

"Very well, sir," he said. "We will go to your home--to-morrow. That
is--if Phyllis says so, too."

Phyllis flashed him a radiant look.

"But you must let me contribute my little pittance to the general
fund," added John. "It isn't much--but it is all I have."

"With all my heart!" said Sir Peter.

The white tablecloth was laid; the coffee percolator hummed its
contented little song. The broiled chicken was delicious; and the
browned potatoes. The