flowers, Frank Pratt
helping her in a loving, deferential manner, very different from his
general easy-going way; while Fin had caught Trevor by the arm, led him
into the far window, and forced him back into a chair, before which she
stood, holding up a menacing finger.

"I'm ashamed of you, Dick--I am indeed," she said, sharply.

"Ashamed!" he exclaimed. "Why?"

"Such cunning, such artfulness! I didn't give you credit for it."

"What do you mean?"

"Coaxing pa round like that, when you no more want hothouses than I do.
There, go away, sir; I'm disgusted. Look! ma's beckoning to you."

In effect, Lady Rea was cautiously making signals from the tea-tray; and
on Trevor going to her, Pratt slowly crossed to the window, and began to
talk to Fin.

"Do you know, Miss Rea, I find I've been here six weeks," he said
awkwardly.

"You don't say so, Mr Pratt," said Fin, quietly.

Pratt stared, and went on.

"The time has gone like magic."

"Has it really?" said Fin, demurely.

"Yes," said Pratt a little bitterly; "and as I have decided upon
returning to town in a day or two, I thought I'd take this opportunity
of saying good-bye."

"I think its the very best thing you can do, Mr Pratt," said Fin,
sharply.

"What, say good-bye?"

"No, go back to town. You will be industrious there. See what's come
to your poor friend by mooning about in the country."

She nodded her saucy head in the direction of Trevor, who was bending
over Tiny--she looking shyly conscious and happy--while Lady Rea beamed
upon them both; and Sir Hampton thought so deeply with his eyes closed,
that he emitted something much like a stertorous snore.

"Yes, dear old Dick's very happy," said Pratt, gravely. "Rich, loved,
and with the fixture all sunshine. She's a sweet girl."

"Yes, a rose--with a thorn of a sister, ready to pester her husband,"
said Fin. "Yes, Mr Pratt, you had better go. It is not good for young
men to be idle."

"So I have been thinking," said Pratt--"especially poor fellows like
myself."

"How is our little friend?" said Fin, maliciously.

"What little friend?"

"The little, round-cheeked niece of Mrs Lloyd--Polly, isn't her name?"

"Really, I don't know, Miss Rea," said Pratt, smiling.

"Fie, Mr Pratt!" said Fin. "Why, you are always being seen with her in
the lane. Is it true you are to be engaged?"

Pratt looked at her sharply.

"Does it give you so much pleasure to tease?" he said, quietly.

"Tea