“An angel!” Tessa’s eyes grew round with wonder, and bluer than the bluest bluebell.  “What was he like?” she whispered breathlessly.  “Did you see him?”

“No, I didn’t.  I think it was a she,” Bernard whispered back.  “And what do you think she brought?  But you’ll never guess.”

“Oh, what?” gasped Tessa, trembling.

Bernard’s arm slipped round her, and Scooter with a sudden violent effort freed himself, and was gone.

“Never mind!  I can get him again,” said Tessa.  “Or Peter will.  Tell me—­quick!”

“She brought—­” Bernard was speaking softly into her ear—–­“a little boy-baby.  Think of that!  A present straight from God!”

“Oh, how lovely!” Tessa gazed at him with shining eyes.  “Is it here now?  May I see it?  Is the angel still here?”

“No, the angel has gone.  But the baby is left.  It is Stella’s very own, and she is to take care of it.”

“Oh, I hope she’ll let me help her!” murmured Tessa in awe-struck accents.  “Does Uncle Everard know yet?”

“Yes.  He and I got here in the night two or three hours after the baby arrived.  He was very tired, poor chap.  He is resting.”

“And the baby?” breathed Tessa.

“Mrs. Ralston is taking care of the baby.  I expect it’s asleep,” said Bernard.  “So we’ll keep very quiet.”

“But she’ll let me see it, won’t she?” said Tessa anxiously.

“No doubt she will, Princess.  But I shouldn’t disturb them yet.  It’s early you know.”

“Mightn’t I just go in and kiss Uncle Everard?” pleaded Tessa.  “I love him so very much.  I’m sure he wouldn’t mind.”

“Let him rest a bit longer!” advised Bernard.  “He is worn out.  Sit down here, on the arm of my chair, and tell me about yourself!  Where have you come from?”

Tessa jerked her head sideways.  “Down there.  We live at The Grand Stand.  We’ve been there a long time now, nearly ever since Daddy went away.  He’s in Heaven.  A budmash shot him in the jungle.  Mother made a great fuss about it at the time, but she doesn’t care now she can go motoring with the Rajah.  He is a nasty beast,” said Tessa with emphasis.  “I always did hate him.  And he frightened my darling Aunt Stella at the gate yesterday.  I—­could have—­killed him for it.”

“What did he do?” asked Bernard.

“I don’t know quite; but the car twisted round on the hill, and Aunt Stella thought it was going to upset.  I tried to take care of her, but we were both nearly run over.  He’s a horrid man!” Tessa declared.  “He caught hold of me the other day because I got between him and Mother when they were sitting smoking together.  And I bit him.”  Vindictive satisfaction sounded in Tessa’s voice.  “I bit him hard.  He soon let go again.”

“Wasn’t he angry?” asked Bernard.