friends, and the friendship
had culminated in an offer being made by Maria Lee to Fraulein von
Holtzhausen to come and live with her as a companion, a proposal that
exactly suited the latter.

The mention of Miss Lee's name had awakened pleasant recollections in
Philip's mind, recollections that, at any other time, might have
tended towards the sentimental; but, when under fire from the blue
eyes of this stately foreigner, it was impossible for him to feel
sentimental about anybody save herself. "The journey is over all too
soon," was the secret thought of each as they stepped on to the Roxham
platform. Before they had finally said good-bye, however, a young lady
with a dainty figure, in a shady hat and pink and white dress, came
running along the platform.

"Hilda, Hilda, here I am! How do you do, dear? Welcome home," and she
was about to seal her welcome with a kiss, when her eye fell upon
Philip standing by.

"Oh, Philip!" she cried with a blush, "don't you know me? Have I
changed much? I should have known you anywhere; and I am glad to see
you, awfully glad (excuse the slang, but it is such a relief to be
able to say 'awful' without being pulled up by Aunt Chambers). Just
think, it is three years since we met. Do you remember Grumps? How do
I look? Do you think you will like me as much as you used to?"

"I think that you are looking the same dear girl that you always used
to look, only you have grown very pretty, and it is not possible that
I shall like you more than I used to."

"I think they must teach you to pay compliments at Oxford, Philip,"
she answered, flushing with pleasure, "but it is all rubbish for you
to say that I am pretty, because I know I am not"--and then,
confidentially, glancing round to see that there was nobody within
hearing (Hilda was engaged with a porter in looking after her things):
"Just look at my nose, and you will soon change your mind. It's
broader, and flatter, and snubbier than ever. I consider that I have
got a bone to pick with Providence about that nose. Ah! here comes
Hilda. Isn't she lovely! There's beauty for you if you like. She
hasn't got a nose. Come and show us to the carriage. You will come and
lunch with us to-morrow, won't you? I am so glad to get back to the
old house again; and I mean to have such a garden! 'Life is short, and
joys are fleeting,' as Aunt Chambers always says, so I mean to make
the best of it whilst it lasts. I saw your father yesterday. He is a