the ground beside her, and she and Guard would gaze eagerly about them
at the wide-spreading sunny moorland; and probably both of them thought of
the games they might be having there if matters so serious were not
engaging their attention, but no thought of doing so crossed their minds
now.

The result of all this haste was that, long before she expected it, Poppy
found herself face to face with the little brown cottage, and felt there
must be some mistake. This could not be the place, she thought; it must
be another. Perhaps, oh dreadful doubt! she had come the wrong way. She
was a very wise little person, though, and to make sure, before she went
further, she determined to go in and inquire.

Rather timidly, but full of interest, she walked along the paved garden
path, and tapped at the door with her knuckles, not being able to reach
the knocker. It was a feeble knock, but soon called forth an answer. A
man opened it, an elderly man--Anne himself, in fact.

"Please does Mademoiselle Le-le-, the French lady, live here?" she asked,
finding some difficulty in pronouncing the long French name.

"Yes, m'amzelle. M'amzelle Leperier lives here."

Poppy was a little non-plussed. She had not thought out any plan or
reason to give for her visit, nor how she was to reach the presence of
Esther's new friend, but her usual ready frankness stood her in good
stead. "I have come to ask how she is, and how--how Anne's wife is.
My sister Esther was here last night. Made--Miss, the French lady, asked
her to tea, and--and sent her home with a Mr. Anne." The man smiled.

"Ah! I know. The young lady I conducted to her home last night--
Miss Esthaire. Come inside, m'amzelle. I know M'amzelle Leperier will
wish to see you."

A sudden shyness rushed over Poppy. "Oh, I--I don't think I had better
come in, thank you. I didn't mean to do that. I have to go all the way
home, and it will take me rather a long time. I--I only brought a fresh
egg that Angela's hen laid this morning, and some parsley out of my own
garden for--for Miss Leperier, and perhaps if she didn't like it she might
give it to your wife. I am sorry I had nothing nicer."

"There couldn't be anything nicer, m'amzelle," said Anne Roth with ready
tact. "It will come in for an omelette for the mistress's lunch, and the
parsley too, it will be most useful. How fine it is. We have none here.
It is always a difficulty to get any."

"Oh, I am so glad I bro