r," he said; "but did you wish me to bring the
bread here?"

"Certainly. Be quick, please. We are waiting to go out."

The man withdrew for the second time, and the lads waited chatting
together till Andrew grew impatient.

"Ring again," he cried. "Have they sent to have a loaf baked? It's
getting late. Let's start. Never mind the bread."

"Oh, let's have it now it's ordered. How are we to feed the ducks
without?"

"Throw them some stones," said Andrew mockingly. "Come along. We'll
look at other people feeding them--if there are any. Look here; it's
twenty minutes by that clock since you gave the order."

At that moment another footman opened the door, and held it back for one
of his fellows to enter bearing a tray covered with a cloth, on which
were a loaf, a butter-dish, knives, plates, glasses, and a decanter of
water.

"Oh, what nonsense!" cried Andrew impatiently. "There, cut a slice,
Frank, put it in your pocket, and come along, or we shall be late."

"I did not know that ducks had particular hours for being fed," thought
the boy, as he cut into the loaf, and then hacked off two slices instead
of one, the two men-servants standing respectfully back and looking on,
both being too well-trained to smile, as Frank thrust one slice into his
pocket and offered the other to Andrew. "Oh, I don't want it," he said
impatiently. "Better take it," cried Frank. "I shan't give you any of
mine."

Andrew hesitated for a moment, and then snatched a handkerchief from his
pocket, wrapped the slice in it, and thrust the handkerchief back.

"Perhaps I had better take one too," he said aloud; and then to his
companion as they went out: "Makes one look so ridiculous and childish
before the servants. They'll go chattering about it all over the
place."

"Let them," said Frank coolly. "I don't see anything to be ashamed of."

"No," said Andrew, with something like a sneer, "you don't; but you will
some day. There, let's make haste."

It did not strike the lad that his companion's manner was peculiar, only
that he felt it to be rather an undignified proceeding; but he said
nothing, and accommodating his stride to Andrew's long one, they crossed
the courtyard, went out into the Park, and came in sight of the water
glittering in the sun.

"There's a good place," said Frank. "Plenty of ducks close in."

"Oh, there's a better place round on the other side," said Andrew
hastily. "Let's go there."

"Anywher