longer; and
Mellicent was on the point of tears, when at last the missing treasure
was discovered, squashed flat beneath a cushion, in company with a
magazine, a handkerchief, an odd glove, and several stray needles.

Colonel Saville looked very fierce during the drive which followed. His
light eyes sent out little sparks of fire, and the waxed ends of his
moustache bristled with anger, while Peggy sat opposite him in a little
heap in the corner of the carriage, with her eyebrows peaked into the
old eave-like shape, and the corners of her lips drooping pensively
downward. The meek little, "Yes, father!" "No, father!" which replied
to his strictures, would have melted a heart of stone, and Mellicent was
relieved to see the colonel's frown gradually giving place to the usual
good-natured twinkle.

"But you must be more careful, child," he said, "or you and I will
quarrel I can't stand disorderly ways. You ought to have a place for
everything."

"I have, father, but it's generally in the _other_ place!" sighed Peggy
plaintively, whereat her father laughed, despite himself, and peace was
restored. He was very tender to his little daughter during the hour
which followed, as he invariably was after anything had occurred to
cause a cloud between them; but though Peggy found no familiar faces in
the throng, her parents were fortunate enough to discover several old-
time friends, so it came to pass that she now found herself alone for
the moment, and thankfully seized the opportunity of a rest.

Ten minutes earlier one of the younger men to whom she had been
introduced had asked to be allowed to pilot her to the refreshment-room,
but she had insisted on sending Mellicent in her stead, and now had the
pleasure of beholding that young lady standing in a distant corner,
enjoying an animated conversation, and looking so fresh and bonnie among
the anaemic town-bred girls, that more than one admiring glance was cast
in her direction. Peggy's little face softened into a very sweet
expression of tenderness as she watched her friend, and hugged the
thought that she had had some part in giving her the pleasure which she
was now enjoying. In the pretty white dress, with her hair arranged by
Carter's skilful hands, Mellicent had no cause to be dissatisfied, even
in the midst of this fashionable throng, and the natural girlish
pleasure in looking her best added zest to the evening's enjoyment.
Peggy reflected once more that it was