t over her homesickness and thoroughly enjoyed
her life.

In the mornings they were always on the beach with Dot, either reading
or working, or watching the happy groups of children.

In the afternoons and evenings they either drove or walked over the
downs. Greta, who was resolved to spare no expense, had hired a pretty
little victoria for the month.

When Marcus came down for his promised week, he spent most of his time
boating, and one or two days they went out in a sailing-boat and
carried their luncheon with them. Both Greta and Olive proved
themselves good sailors.

Greta had entreated her friend to prolong her visit, but Olivia would
not hear of this.

"Martha had been left long enough," she said, decidedly, and she could
not remain away from Marcus any longer. And Marcus was too glad to get
his bright companion back to say a dissenting word.

"Oh, Aunt Madge, I have had such a splendid time," were Olivia's first
words when she went round to Mayfield Villas on the morning after her
return. "Greta has been such a dear, she has thoroughly spoilt me; but
the loveliest time of all was the week Marcus spent with us."

"You look the very essence of a sunbeam, Livy," returned Mrs.
Broderick, with an admiring look; "but what a nut-brown mayde you have
become. Well, was Marcus pleased to get his wife and child back?" And
then Olivia smiled happily, for only she knew how she had been missed.

Dr. Bevan left town early in August and Dr. Luttrell took up his
position as _locum tenens_, and in spite of the emptiness of London
found plenty of work.

Sometimes, as Olivia walked in the direction of Brunswick Place with
Dot toddling beside her, the victoria with its bay horses would pass
her. How Olivia would dimple with amusement as Marcus gravely lifted
his hat to her.

Ever after a victoria with bay horses figured in Olivia's _chateaux
d'espagne_.

Greta complained bitterly of her dullness when her friends had left.
"Eastbourne has lost its charms," she wrote, "and the crowds of people
on the Parade only make me feel more lonely. If it were not for fear
of Dr. Luttrell, I should come back to Brunswick Place at once, but I
dare not run the gauntlet of his sarcasms.

"My one amusement is making smocks for Dot. I have finished the pale
blue one and it looks lovely, and now I have begun a cream-coloured
one; in spite of your stuck-up pride, Olive, you cannot prevent me from
working for my darling Dot."