pened to be there, that he almost failed to notice that
Hartley was busy in his front garden and that Joan was standing by him.
He stopped short and bade them "Good-morning."

Mr. Hartley dropped his tools and hastened to the gate. "Good-morning,"
he said, nervously; "I hope that there is nothing wrong. I went a little
way to try and find you."

"Find me?" echoed Mr. Vyner, reddening, as a suspicion of the truth
occurred to him.

"Bassett told me that you had been walking up and down waiting to see
me," continued Hartley.

"I dressed as fast as I could, but by that time you were out of sight."

Facial contortions, in sympathy with the epithets he was mentally
heaping upon the head of Bassett, disturbed for a moment the serenity
of Mr. Vyner's countenance. A rapid glance at Miss Hartley helped him to
regain his composure.

"I don't know why the boy should have been so officious," he said,
slowly; "I didn't want to see you. I certainly passed the house on my
way. Oh, yes, and then I thought of going back--I did go a little way
back--then I altered my mind again. I suppose I must have passed three
times."

"I was afraid there was something wrong," said Hartley. "I am very glad
it is all right. I'll give that lad a talking to. He knocked us all
up and said that you had been walking up and down for twenty-three
minutes."

The generous colour in Mr. Vyner's cheeks was suddenly reflected in Miss
Hartley's. Their eyes met, and, feeling exceedingly foolish, he resolved
to put a bold face on the matter.

"Bassett is unendurable," he said, with a faint laugh, "and I suspect
his watch. Still, I must admit that I did look out for you, because I
thought if you were stirring I should like to come in and see what sort
of a mess I made last night. Was it very bad?"

"N-no," said Hartley; "no; it perhaps requires a little attention. Half
an hour or so will put it right."

"I should like to see my handiwork by daylight," said Robert.

Hartley opened the garden-gate and admitted him, and all three,
passing down the garden, stood gravely inspecting the previous night's
performance. It is to be recorded to Mr. Vyner's credit that he coughed
disparagingly as he eyed it.

"Father says that they only want taking up and replanting," said Joan,
softly, "and the footmarks caked over, and the mould cleared away from
the path. Except for that your assistance was invaluable."

"I--I didn't quite say that," said Hartley, mildly.

"