y _that
sort of thing_, the actual needs, the more apparent thoughts of those
about her. She knew it, but she did not dwell upon it--sometimes it
made her smile, but it scarcely hurt her, and never made her bitter,
she comprehended it all so well. Meanwhile Pippo, left alone, devoted
himself to the dogs for a minute or two, making them almost too happy.
Then, at the very climax of riotous enjoyment, cast them off with a
sudden, "Down, Yarrow!" which took all the curl in a moment out of the
noble tail with which Yarrow was sweeping all the unconsidered trifles
off Mrs. Dennistoun's work-table. The young autocrat walked to the
window as he shook off his adoring vassal, and stared out for a little
with his hands deeply dug into his pockets. And then a new idea came
into Pippo's head; the most brilliant new idea, which restored at once
the light to his eyes and elevation to his crest. He said nothing of
this, however, till he had done justice to the excellent luncheon, while
his grandmother, seated beside him in the dining-room with her knitting,
looked on with pride and pleasure and saw him eat. This was a thing,
they were all of accord, which she always thoroughly understood.

"You will run out now and telegraph to your mother. She is in the old
rooms in Ebury Street, Pippo."

"Yes, granny; don't you think now a fellow of my age, having done pretty
well and all that, might be trusted to--make a little expedition out of
his own head?"

"My dear! you have always been trusted, Pippo, you know. I can't
remember when your mother or I either have shown any want of trust----"

"Oh, it's not that," said Pippo, confused. "I know I've had lots,
lots--far more than most fellows--of my own way. It was not that
exactly. I meant without consulting any one, just to do a thing out of
my own head."

"I have no doubt it will be quite a right thing, Pippo; but I should
know better if you were to tell me."

"That would scarcely be doing it out of my own head, would it, granny?
But I can't keep a thing to myself; now Musgrave can, you know; that's
the great difference. I suppose it is having nobody but my mother and
you, who always spoil me, that has made me that I can't keep a secret."

"It is something about making it up to Musgrave for not winning the
scholarship?"

Philip grew red all over with a burning blush of shame. "What a beast I
am!" he said. "You will scarcely believe me, but I had forgotten
that--though I do wish I coul