re, a tomtit having such superior facilities for
getting about could easily defy you," I replied.

"Yes, unless it was caged," he said.

"But supposing you never got it caged," I returned.

"Syb, what do you mean?"

"What could I mean?"

I don't know. There are always about four or five meanings in what you
say."

"Oh, thanks, Mr Beecham! You must be very astute. I am always thankful
when I am able to dish one meaning out of my idle gabble."

The glorious summer day had fallen asleep on the bosom of the horizon,
and twilight had merged into dusk, as, picking up the basket, Harold and
I returned cherry- and strawberry-less to the tennis court. The players
had just ceased action, and the gentlemen were putting on their coats.
Harold procured his, and thrust his arms into it, while we were attacked
on all sides by a flood of banter.

My birthday tea was a great success, and after it was done we enjoyed
ourselves in the drawing-room. Uncle Jay-Jay handed me a large box,
saying it contained a present. Everyone looked on with interest while I
hurriedly opened it, when they were much amused to see--nothing but a doll
and materials to make it clothes! I was much disappointed, but uncle said
it would be more in my line to play with that than to worry about tramps
and politics.

I took care to behave properly during the evening, and when the good-byes
were in full swing had an opportunity of a last word with Harold, he
stooping to hear me whisper:

"Now that I know you care, I will not annoy you any more by flirting."

"Don't talk like that. I was only mad for the moment. Enjoy yourself as
much as you like. I don't want you to be like a nun. I'm not quite so
selfish as that. When I look at you and see how tiny you are, and how
young, I feel it is brutal to worry you at all, and you don't detest me
altogether for getting in such an infernal rage?"

"No. That is the very thing I liked. Good night!"

"Good night," he replied, taking both my hands in his. "You are the best
little woman in the world, and I hope we will spend all your other
birthdays together."

"It's to be hoped you've said something to make Harry a trifle sweeter
than he was this afternoon," said Goodchum. Then it was:

"Good night, Mrs Bossier! Good night, Harry! Good night, Archie! Good
night, Mr Goodchum! Good-bye, Miss Craddock! Ta-ta, Miss Melvyn! So long,
Jay-Jay! Good-bye, Mrs Bell! Goodbye, Miss Goodjay! Good night, Miss
Melvyn! Good night,