"I shall marry a lord! Then he'll
have lots of money, and I'll give it to father, and we'll live happily
ever after."

Poor Maud! Her millennium was not to begin just yet, at least; for
Nannie, her immaculate but austere attendant, rapped at the door at that
moment, and summoned her nursling to be bathed and put to bed. Maud was
every evening enraged afresh at being called at such a ridiculously
early hour, and to-night her annoyance was increased by the fact that
she was torn ruthlessly from the rare treat of a conference with her
elders, in which she had really been and truly on the level of a "grown-
up." She fumed with anger, but presently consolation came with the idea
of a dramatic disclosure upstairs. She waited until she and her
attendant were alone together in the bedroom, and then sprung the bolt
in her most impressive fashion.

"Nannie, we're ruined!"

"Indeed, miss. Sorry to hear it, I'm sure," returned Nannie,
unperturbed. It is safe to predict that any important family news will
be known as soon in the servants' hall as in the drawing-room, and
Nannie had the air of listening to a very stale piece of information.

Maud was distinctly disappointed, but nerved herself for fresh efforts.
"Yes. Bankrup'! There's nothing left. I'm going to give up all my
savings. What will you do, Nannie--leave?"

"I shall be pleased to stay on, miss, as long as your mother can afford
to give me my wages and a nursery maid."

"Oh, Nannie, how _mean_! The Pharisees likewise do as much as that! In
storybooks the nurses always stay on, whether they are ruined or not,
and give their money to help. You _are_ mean!"

"No impertinence, please," said Nannie sharply. She was just beginning
to comb out Maud's hair, and it was astonishing how many knots there
appeared to be that evening. "I'm sorry I spoke," reflected poor Maud.

CHAPTER FOUR.

In the next week future plans were practically settled so far as the
young people were concerned. Rowena had been right in her surmise about
the boys, for, like most fathers, Mr Saxon was prepared to retrench in
any and every direction rather than interfere with the education of his
sons. It was a family tradition that the eldest son should go into the
army; therefore, at all costs, Hereward must continue that tradition.
The Saxons had for generations been Eton boys, therefore it was
impossible that Gurth could attend another school. As to the girls--
well, Mr Saxo