y
on that day. Miss Gwynne also attended, but she was too impatient and
imperious to be a good teacher, much as she wished to be one.

Miss Gwynne had great ideas of doing good; grand schemes that she tried
to carry out, but in which she often failed. Nevertheless, she did a
great deal of good in her own peculiar way.

She had been reading of the 'harvest homes' that they were endeavouring
to revive in England, and had induced her father to have one in the
park. Happily, the day fixed for this general rejoicing was during Mrs
Prothero's convalescence, and before Rowland's return to London, so that
most of the members of the Prothero family could be present. They also
yielded to Miss Gwynne's ready assistance in such preparations as she
made, and were the instruments in surprising her and her father by some
tasteful decorations in their honour, unknown to them. Owen and Gladys
worked very hard at floral and evergreen mottoes for the tent, whilst
Rowland gave his advice as he sat with his mother, and tried to amuse
her during the tedium of her recovery.

A few hours before the general gathering, a messenger arrived at the
Park in great haste, bearing a note to Miss Gwynne, containing the
information that the vicar had sprained his ankle just as he was going
to set out for Glanyravon, and was unable to move. There was another
note for Rowland, which was to be carried on to the farm, requesting him
to supply his uncle's place.

Miss Gwynne was greatly annoyed; wished that the vicar would not go
wandering about after old stones, as she was sure he had done; knew that
Rowland would never be able to manage and was very sorry she had
attempted the treat at all.

Whilst she was still grumbling, and Miss Hall laughing and consoling,
Rowland arrived. This was his first visit to the Park since he had been
in the country, and Mr Gwynne was delighted to see him. He perceived at
once that Miss Gwynne's equanimity was disturbed; and said that he was
very sorry to come as a substitute for his uncle, but that he would do
his best. His manner was so quiet and composed, and he seemed so little
alarmed by the honours thrust upon him, that Miss Gwynne gradually
became reassured.

In less than half-an-hour she told Miss Hall that he was worth a hundred
of the vicar, and that after all the sprained ankle was rather a
fortunate accident.

At about two o'clock the guests began to assemble at the school-house,
over the door of which was