was chiefly absorbed by the younger one’s lamentations that they were not to accompany her to Silverfold, and by their commissions.  Fergus wanted a formidable amount of precious tools, and inchoate machines, which Mrs. Halfpenny had regarded as ‘mess,’ and utterly refused to let his aunts be ‘fashed’ with; while Valetta’s orders were chiefly for the visiting all the creatures, so as to bring an exact account of the health and spirits of Rigdum Funnidos, etc., also for some favourite story-books which she wished to lend to Kitty Varley and Maura White.

’For do you know, Gill, Maura has never had a new story-book since mamma gave her Little Alice and her Sister, when she was seven years old!  Do bring her Stories They Tell Me, and On Angel’s Wings.’

‘But is not that Mysie’s?’

’Oh yes, but I know Mysie would let her have it.  Mysie always let Maura have everything of hers, because the boys teased her.’

’I will bring it; but I think Mysie ought to be written to before it is lent.’

‘That is right, Gillian,’ said Miss Mohun; ’it is always wiser to be above-board when dealing with other people’s things, even in trifles.’

Why did this sound like a reproach, and as if it implied suspicion that Gillian was not acting on that principle?  She resented the feeling.  She knew she might do as she liked with the boys’ old books, for which they certainly had no affection, and which indeed her mother had talked of offering to some of those charities which have a miscellaneous appetite, and wonderful power of adaptation of the disused.  Besides, though no one could have the least objection to their being bestowed on the Whites, the very fact of this being her third secret meeting with Kalliope was beginning to occasion an awkwardness in accounting for her knowledge of their needs.  It was obvious to ask why she had not mentioned the first meeting, and this her pride would not endure.  She had told her parents by letter.  What more could be desired?

Again, when she would not promise to see either Miss Vincent or the Miss Hackets, because ‘she did not want to have a fuss,’ Aunt Jane said she thought it a pity, with regard at least to the governess, who might feel herself hurt at the neglect, ’and needless secrets are always unadvisable.’

Gillian could hardly repress a wriggle, but her Aunt Ada laughed, saying, ’Especially with you about, Jenny, for you always find them out.’

At present, however, Miss Mohun certainly had no suspicion.  Gillian was very much afraid she would think proper to come to the station in the morning; but she was far too busy, and Gillian started off in the omnibus alone with Mrs. Mount in handsome black silk trim, to be presented to Mr. Macrae, and much enjoying the trip, having been well instructed by Fergus and Valetta in air that she was to see.

Kalliope was descried as the omnibus stopped, and in a few seconds Gillian had shaken hands with her, received the note, and heard the ardent thanks sent from Alexis, and which the tattered books—–­even if they proved to be right—–­would scarcely deserve.  He would come with his sister to receive the parcel at the station on Gillian’s return—–­ at 5.29, an offer which obviated any further difficulties as to conveyance.