ardens, and there its crew alighted,
demurely waiting for the Major. He leaped from his hansom, and taking
off his hat, strode up to Miss Blossom, as if he were leading a charge.
The children captured him by the legs. 'What does this mean, Madam? What
are you doing with my children? Who are you?'

'She's None-so-pretty,' said Tommy, by way of introduction.

Miss Blossom bowed with grace, and raising her head, shot two violet rays
into the eyes of the Major, which were of a bistre hue. But they
accepted the message, like a receiver in wireless telegraphy. No man,
let be a Major, could have resisted None-so-pretty at that moment. 'Come
into the gardens,' she said, and led the way. 'You would like a ride on
the elephant, Tommy?' she asked Master Apsley. 'And you, Batsy?'

The children shouted assent.

'How in the world does she know them?' thought the bewildered officer.

The children mounted the elephant.

'Now, Major Apsley,' said Miss Blossom, 'I have found your children.'

'I owe you thanks, Madam; I have been very anxious, but--'

'It is more than your thanks I want. I want you to do something for me,
a very little thing,' said Miss Blossom, with the air of a supplicating
angel, the violet eyes dewy with tears.

'I am sure I shall be delighted to do anything you ask, but--'

'Will you _promise_? It is a very little thing indeed!' and her hands
were clasped in entreaty. 'Please promise!'

'Well, I promise.'

'Then keep your word: it is a little thing! Take Tommy home this
instant, let nobody speak to him or touch him--and--make him take a bath,
and see him take it.'

'Take a bath!'

'Yes, at once, in your presence. Then ask him . . . any questions you
please, but pay extreme attention to his answers and his face, and the
sound of his voice. If that is not enough do the same with Batsy. And
after that I think you had better not let the children out of your sight
for a short time.'

'These are very strange requests.'

'And it was by a strange piece of luck that I met you driving home to see
if the lost children were found, and secured your attention before it
could be pre-engaged.'

'But where did you find them and why?'

Miss Blossom interrupted him, 'Here is the address of Dr. Maitland, I
have written it on my own card; he can answer some questions you may want
to ask. Later I will answer anything. And now in the name of God,' said
the girl reverently, with sudden emotion, 'you w