for a number of years, as far as the oldest can recollect, the Hero of our school, and we are so bold as to ask the favour of General Lord Ormont’s name to head a subscription we are making to circulate for the support of their sick mother, who has fallen ill.  We think her a good woman.  Gentlemen and ladies of the neighbourhood are willing to subscribe.  If we have a great name to head the list, we think we shall make a good subscription.  Names:—­

               ’Martha Mary Coop, mother. 
               ’Robert Coop. 
               ’Jane Coop, the girl, aged six.

     ’If we are not taking too great a liberty, a subscription paper will
     follow.  We are sure General the Earl of Ormont’s name will help to
     make them comfortable. 
               ’We are obediently and respectfully,
                              ’David Gowen,
                              ’Walter Bench,
                              ’James PANNERS Parsons,
                              ‘And seven others.’

Weyburn spared Aminta an answering look, that would have been a begging of Browny to remember Matey.

’It ‘s genuine,’ he said to Mrs. Lawrence, as he attacked his plate with the gusto for the repast previously and benignly observed by her.  ’It ought to be the work of some of the younger fellows.’

‘They spell correctly, on the whole.’

‘Excepting,’ said my lord, ‘an article they don’t know much about yet.’

Weyburn had noticed the word, and he smiled.  ’Said to be the happy state!  The three signing their names are probably what we called bellman and beemen, collector, and heads of the swarm-enthusiasts.  If it is not the work of some of the younger hands, the school has levelled on minors.  In any case it shows the school is healthy.’

‘I subscribe,’ said Mrs. Lawrence.

‘The little girl aged six shall have something done for her,’ said Aminta, and turned her eyes on the earl.

He was familiar with her thrilled voice at a story of bravery.  He said—­

‘The boys don’t say the girl’s brother turned tail.’

’Only that the girl’s brother aged eight followed the lead of the little girl aged six,’ Mrs. Lawrence remarked.  ’Well, I like the schoolboys, too—­“we are sorry to say!” But they ’re good lads.  Boys who can appreciate brave deeds are capable of doing them.’

‘Speak to me about it on Monday,’ the earl said to Weyburn.

He bowed, and replied—­

’I shall have the day to-morrow.  I ‘ll walk it and call on Messrs.’ (he glanced at the paper) ’Gowen, Bench, and Parsons.  I have a German friend in London anxious to wear his legs down stumpier.’

‘The name of the school?’

‘It is called Cuper’s.’