s approach. "He was one of our lecturers
at Girton, and recommended me to his sister when I left. Such an honour
for me, for he is one of the finest men in the `Varsity'--So wonderfully
learned and clever!"

"He _looks_ it," remarked Miss Peggy, regarding the lanky, stooping
figure with a crinkle of disdain in her saucy little nose. "Just
exactly my idea of a learned professor. Does he ever brush his coat?"

Esther flushed, and bridled with displeasure.

"I never inquired," she returned coldly. "In conversation with
Professor Reid one has something better to do than discuss coats. He
was kind enough to offer to meet us in town, and to take the boys home
after I leave to-night, and it is a privilege to go about with him.
I'll introduce you to him if you like, and--"

"You'd better not. I am sure he wouldn't like it. Let me introduce you
to father instead. He is wondering what new friend I have discovered,
and will be so much interested when he knows who it is."

Colonel Saville came forward in response to his daughter's summons, and
greeted her friend with much cordiality, while Peggy was agreeably
surprised to note the easy self-possession with which Esther sustained
her part in the conversation. Contact with the world had rubbed away
the rusticity of manner which still characterised Mellicent, and though
by no possibility could Esther be called pretty, there was an undeniable
attractiveness about the tall, neat figure and intellectual face. Peggy
knew that her father was agreeably impressed, for the colonel had a
tell-tale expression, and could by no possibility manage to hide his
feelings. If he were bored, dreariness feebly described his appearance;
if he were annoyed, his eyes sent out little sparks of fire, and every
hair in his moustache bristled on its own account; if he were sad, he
lost in five minutes the last remnant of youth, and appeared a wan old
man; while if he were pleased, he might have passed as Arthur's brother,
so alert and beaming was his demeanour. On the present occasion he was
all smiles and bows, and joked elaborately with the little pupils, who
were brought up and introduced, when, to Peggy's amusement, the genius
preserved a stolid demeanour, while the fat, little dunce displayed an
agreeable animation.

"An exceedingly sensible, pleasant young woman," was the colonel's
verdict as he left the room; and Peggy peered round over her shoulder,
and beheld the sensible young woma