to-day."

The blind lady sighed with contentment. "He is a brave, good lad,
Vernon," she said. "You must be kind to him, and say 'Yes' nicely when
he asks you for our darling. They have been fond of each other since
they were babies almost."

The ghost of a tender smile quivered at the corner of Mr. Mallory's
stern mouth. "I shall not be rough with him, Margaret," he said gently,
"but I am going to make a bargain with him for all that. He has--I
believe both the young rascals have it--the key to something I want very
badly."

Mrs. Mallory's sightless eyes turned towards her husband, and her voice
spoke the affection they could not express. "The key to a secret, dear.
To some mystery that is no concern of yours? When shall I be able to
persuade you that you retired from the public service years ago? But
they are coming this way, I think."

Her acute hearing, that blessed compensation granted to the blind, had
told her truly. Reggie and Enid were crossing the lawn towards them--a
picturesque whirlwind of white flannel and flapping straw hats. Mr.
Mallory composed his features into an acid contemplation of the
approaching couple, though he had much ado to succeed. No sentimental
nonsense here, but earnest, cocksure intent, after his own heart.

"We've come to ask your permission," Reggie began.

"Will you hold your tongue, sir? We have come to do nothing of the
kind," Enid interrupted him. "We've come to give information, that's
all. Father, dear, we have had an awful row about details, but we've
patched it up, and are engaged to be married. You haven't any objection,
I suppose? Of course Reggie is no great shakes, and I might have done
better, but he suits me." And, after a pause, the minx added, with an
impudent _moue_ at her lover, "on the whole."

Mr. Mallory reared his tall, spare frame from the basket-chair in which
he had been lounging, and, having pressed his wife's hand to reassure
her that all would be well, turned with mock severity to the culprits.

"Come into the study," he said in his most judicial tone. "The remarks I
have to make are not for the benefit of any chance passer-by, or of Mr.
Lazarus Lowch if he is on the prowl."

The three passed into the house, and as soon as the door of Mr.
Mallory's sanctum was shut upon them he laid an affectionate hand on the
shoulder of each of his young companions. "Your little affair will be
all right," he smiled at them, laying aside his judicial manner. "You