By the time they returned, Colonel Mohun was met in the hall by his sister.  ‘Oh, Reggie, it is too good in you!’ were the words that came with her fervent kiss.  ’Remember how many years I have been seasoned to being “cockit up on a baggage waggon.”  Ought not such an old soldier as I to be able to take care of myself?’

’And what would your husband say to you when you got there?  And should not I catch it from William?  Well, are you packing up the youthful family for Beechcroft, except that at Rotherwood they are shrieking for Mysie?’

‘I know how good William and Alethea would be.  This child,’ pointing to Primrose, who had been hanging on her all day in silence, ’is to go to them; but as I can’t send Miss Vincent, educational advantages, as the advertisements say, lie on the side of Rockstone; so Jenny here undertakes to be troubled with the rabble.’

’But Mysie?  Rotherwood met me at the station and begged me to obtain her from you.  They really wish it.’

‘He does, I have no doubt.’

’So does Madame la Marquise.  They have been anxious about little Phyllis all the summer.  She was languid and off her feed in London, and did not pick up at home as they expected.  My belief is that it is too much governess and too little play, and that a fortnight here would set her up again.  Rotherwood himself thinks so, and Victoria has some such inkling.  At any rate, they are urgent to have Mysie with the child, as the next best thing.’

‘Poor dear little Fly!’ ejaculated Lady Merrifield; ’but I am afraid Mysie was not very happy there last year.’

‘And what would be the effect of all the overdoing?’ said Miss Mohun.

’Mysie is tougher than that sprite, and I suppose there is some relaxation,’ said Lady Merrifield.

’Yes; the doctors have frightened them sufficiently for the present.

‘I suppose Mysie is a prescription, poor child,’ said her aunt, in a tone that evoked from her brother—–­

‘Jealous, Jenny?’

‘Well, Jane,’ said Lady Merrifield, ’you know how thankful I am to you and Ada, but I am inclined to let it depend on the letters I get to-morrow, and the way Victoria takes it.  If it is really an earnest wish on that dear little Fly’s account, I could not withstand old Rotherwood, and though Mysie might be less happy than she would be with you, I do not think any harm will be done.  Everything there is sound and conscientious, and if she picks up a little polish, it won’t hurt her.’

‘Shall you give her the choice?’

’I see no good in rending the poor child’s mind between two affections, especially as there will be a very short time to decide in, for I shall certainly not send her if Victoria’s is a mere duty letter.’

‘You are quite right there, Lily,’ said the Colonel.  ’The less choice the greater comfort.’

‘Well done, sir soldier,’ said his sister Jane.  ’I say quite right too; only, for my own sake, I wish it had been Valetta.’