think he has gone down the garden."

"No; I think not," said Sir James. "Here, Eddy! Eddy!"

"Yes, pa," came out of the conservatory.

"Why, where are you, sir? Come and shake hands with our young friend."

Master Edgar came slowly into sight, entered the drawing-room, and stood
still.

"Well; why don't you welcome your visitor? Come here."

Master Edgar came a little more forward.

"Now, then, shake hands with your friend."

Master Edgar slowly held out a white thin hand in the direction of
Dexter, who caught it eagerly, and felt as if he were shaking hands with
Lady Danby again.

"That's better," said Sir James. "Now the ice is broken I hope you two
will be very great friends. There, we shall have an early dinner for
you at three o'clock. Better leave them to themselves, my dear."

"Very well, my love," responded Lady Danby sadly.

"Take Dexter Grayson and show him your games, and your pony, and then
you can take him round the garden, but don't touch the boat."

"No, pa," said Edgar slowly.

"He's a little shy, Dexter," said Sir James.

"No, I ain't, ma," said Edgar, in a whisper.

"We are very glad to see you, Dexter," continued Sir James. "There,
now, go and enjoy yourself out in the garden, you'll find plenty to see.
Come, Eddy."

Master Edgar looked slowly and sulkily up at his father, and seemed to
hesitate, not even glancing at his visitor.

"Well!" said Sir James sharply. "Why are you hesitating? Come: run
along. That way, Dexter, my lad. You two will soon be good friends."

Dexter tried to smile, but it was a very poor apology for a look of
pleasure, while Sir James, who seemed rather annoyed at his son's
shrinking, uncouth conduct, laid his hand upon the boy's shoulder and
led him into the conservatory.

"Come, Eddy," he said bluffly.

"Must I go, ma!" whispered Eddy.

"Yes, my dear, certainly. Papa wishes it, and you must behave like a
young gentleman to your guest."

"Come, Eddy," shouted Sir James from the conservatory.

Master Edgar went out sidewise in a very crabby way, and found Sir James
waiting.

"There, no more shyness," said Sir James bluffly. "Go out and enjoy
yourselves till dinner-time."

He nodded and smiled at them, gave his son a push toward Dexter, and
returned to where Lady Danby was seated, with her brow all in wrinkles.

"They will soon make friends," said Sir James. "It's Grayson's whim, of
course, and really, my dear, this seems to be a de