l over himself. He took her in his arms
and kissed her again and again. "You are a dear good grateful little
creature!" he burst out--and suddenly stopped, aware too late of the act
of imprudence which he had committed. He put her away from him; he tried
to ask severe questions, and to administer merited reproof. Even if he
had succeeded, Sally was too happy to listen to him. "It's all right
now," she cried. "I'm never, never, never to go back to the Home! Oh,
I'm so happy! Let's light the lamp again!"

She found the matchbox on the chimneypiece. In a minute more the room
was bright. Amelius sat looking at her, perfectly incapable of deciding
what he ought to say or do next. To complete his bewilderment, the voice
of the attentive old Frenchman made itself heard through the door, in
discreetly confidential tones.

"I have prepared an appetising little supper, sir," said Toff. "Be
pleased to ring when you and the young lady are ready."

CHAPTER 3

Toff's interference proved to have its use. The announcement of
the little supper--plainly implying Simple Sally's reception at the
cottage--reminded Amelius of his responsibilities. He at once stepped
out into the passage, and closed the door behind him.

The old Frenchman was waiting to be reprimanded or thanked, as the case
might be, with his head down, his shoulders shrugged up to his ears, and
the palms of his hands spread out appealingly on either side of him--a
model of mute resignation to circumstances.

"Do you know that you have put me in a very awkward position?" Amelius
began.

Toff lifted one of his hands to his heart. "You are aware of my
weakness, sir. When that charming little creature presented herself at
the door, sinking with fatigue, I could no more resist her than I could
take a hop-skip-and-jump over the roof of this cottage. If I have done
wrong, take no account of the proud fidelity with which I have served
you--tell me to pack up and go; but don't ask me to assume a position of
severity towards that enchanting Miss. It is not in my heart to do
it," said Toff, lifting his eyes with tearful solemnity to an imaginary
heaven. "On my sacred word of honour as a Frenchman, I would die rather
than do it!"

"Don't talk nonsense," Amelius rejoined a little impatiently. "I don't
blame you--but you have got me into a scrape, for all that. If I did my
duty, I should send for a cab, and take her back."

Toff opened his twinkling old eyes in a perfect t