six children at school, and a boy in Gallipoli. They
seemed very glad to come."

"Well, that's all right," said Norah practically. "We can't expect to
have every one as nice as the Hunts. But they're not the only ones,
Dad: Captain Garrett is here, and Jim is sending some one called
Hardress by the 6.45--unfortunately the telephone didn't allow Jim to
mention what he is! I hope he isn't a brigadier."

"I don't see Jim hob-nobbing to any extent with brigadiers," said her
father. "I say, this is rather a shock. Four in a day!"

"Yes, business is looking up," said Norah, laughing. "Captain Garrett
is a dear--and he can ride, Dad. I had him out on Killaloe. I'm a
little uneasy about the Hardress person, because he's just out of a
convalescent home, and Jim seemed worried about him. But the
telephone went mad, and Jim was in a hurry, so I didn't get any
details."

"Oh, well, we'll look after him. How is the household staff standing
the invasion?"

"Every one's very happy except Mrs. Atkins, and she is plunged in woe.
Even Sarah seems interested. I haven't dared to look at Miss de
Lisle, but Allenby says she is cheerful."

"Has Mrs. Atkins been unpleasant?"

"Well," said Norah, and laughed, "you wouldn't call her exactly a
bright spot in the house. But she has seen to things, so that is all
that counts."

"I won't have that woman worry you," said Mr. Linton firmly.

"I won't have _you_ worried about anything," said Norah. "Don't think
about Mrs. Atkins, or you won't enjoy your tea. And here's Allenby."

"Tea!" said Mr. Linton, as the butler entered, bearing a little tray.
"I thought I was too late for such a luxury--but I must say I'm glad
of it."

"I sent some upstairs, sir," said Allenby, placing a little table near
his master. "Just a little toast, sir, it being so late. And if you
please, miss, Miss de Lisle would be glad if you could spare a moment
in the kitchen."

The cook-lady, redder than ever, was mixing a mysterious compound in a
bowl. Katty, hugely important, darted hither and thither. A variety
of savoury smells filled the air.

"I just wanted to tell you," said Miss de Lisle confidentially, "that
I'm making a special _souffle_ of my own, and Allenby will put it in
front of you. Promise me"--she leaned forward earnestly--"to use a
thin spoon to help it, and slide it in edgeways as gently as--as if
you were stroking a baby! It's just a _perfect_ thing--I wouldn't
sleep to-ni