All shadows were got rid of; and there followed a half-hour of most eager intercourse, questions and answers coming thick upon one another. Esther was curious to hear all that Pitt would tell her about his life and doings at college; and, nothing loath, Pitt gave it her. It interested him to watch the play of thought and interest in the child's features as he talked. She comprehended him, and she seemed to take in without difficulty the strange nature and conditions of his college world. 'Do you have to study hard?' she asked. 'That's as I please. One must study hard to be distinguished.' 'And you will be distinguished, won't you?' 'What do you think? Do you care about it?' 'Yes, I care,' said Esther slowly. 'You were not anxious about me?' 'No,' she said, smiling. 'Papa said you would be sure to distinguish yourself.' 'Did he? I am very much obliged to Colonel Gainsborough.' 'What for?' 'Why, for his good opinion.' 'But he couldn't help his opinion,' said Esther. 'Queen Esther,' said Pitt, laughing, 'I don't know about that. People sometimes hold opinions they have no business to hold, and that they would not hold, if they were not perverse-minded.' Esther's face had all changed since he came in. The premature gravity and sadness was entirely dispersed; the eyes were full of beautiful light, the mouth taking a great many curves corresponding to as many alternations and shades of sympathy, and a slight colour of interest and pleasure had risen in the cheeks. If Pitt had vanity to gratify, it was gratified; but he had something better, he had a genuine kindness and liking for the little girl, which had suffered absolute pain, when he saw how his absence and silence had worked. Now the two were in full enjoyment of the old relations and the old intercourse, when the door opened, and Mrs. Barker's head appeared. 'Miss Esther, it's your time.' 'Time for what?' asked Pitt. 'It's my time for going to bed,' said Esther, rising. 'I'll come, Mrs. Barker.' 'Queen Esther, does that woman say what you are to do and not do?' said Pitt, in some indignation. 'Oh no; but papa. He likes me not to be up later than nine o'clock.' 'What has Barker to do with it? I think she wants putting in her place.' 'She always goes with me and attends to me. Yes, I must go,' said Esther. 'But the colonel is not here to be disturbed.' 'He would be disturbed, if I didn't go at the right time. Good-night, Pitt.' 'Well, till to-morrow,' said the young man, taking Esther's hand and kissing it. 'But this is what I call a very summary proceeding. Queen Esther, does your majesty always do what you are expected to do, and take orders from everybody!' 'No; only from papa and you. Good-night, Pitt. Yes, I'll be ready to-morrow.' CHAPTER VIII. _A NOSEGAY_.