yet it was
odd that he should be so terribly upset at being found out in doing a
little act of kindness. Walter was sure that not a shadow of moral
wrong could rest on his brother's conduct. He might have made a fool of
himself, but it could not be anything worse.

One thing, however, Walter was resolved upon, he would have a bit of fun
out of his discovery. So next day at luncheon, when they were seated at
table, unattended by a servant, Amos being among them, but unusually
nervous and ill at ease, Walter abruptly inquired of his brother across
the table if he could lend him a copy of the "Nursery Rhymes." No reply
being given, Walter continued, "Oh, do give us a song, Amos,--`Ride a
Cock Horse,' or `Baby Bunting,' or `Hi, Diddle, Diddle.' I'm sure you
must have been practising these lately to sing to those dear children."

As he said this, Amos turned his eyes on him with a gaze so imploring
that Walter was for a moment silenced. Miss Huntingdon also noticed
that look, and, though she could not tell the cause of it, she was
deeply pained that her nephew should have called it forth from his
brother. Walter, however, was not to be kept from his joke, though he
had noticed that his aunt looked gravely and sorrowfully at him, and had
crossed one hand upon the other. "Ah, well," he went on, "love in a
cottage is a very romantic thing, no doubt; and I hope these darling
little ones, Amos, enjoy the best of health."

"Whatever does the boy mean?" exclaimed the squire, whose attention was
now fairly roused.

Amos looked at first, when his father put the question, as though he
would have sunk into the earth. His colour came and went, and he half
rose up, as though he would have left the table; but, after a moment's
pause, he resumed his seat, and, turning quietly to Mr Huntingdon, said
in a low, clear voice, "Walter saw me yesterday afternoon playing with
some little children in a cottage-garden some miles from this house.
This is all about it."

"And what brought you there, Amos?" asked Walter. "Little baby games
aren't much in your line."

"I had my reasons for what I was doing," replied the other calmly. "I
am not ashamed of it; I have done nothing to be ashamed of in the
matter. I can give no other explanation at present. But I must regret
that I have not more of the love and confidence of my only brother."

"Oh, nonsense! You make too much of Walter's foolish fun; it means no
harm," said the squire p