Hilda bent forward and kissed her little sister on her forehead. "We won't have any more music at present," she said, "it is time for us to return to the house. You are going to dine at the Rectory this evening, are you not, Mr. Quentyns?" "If you will have me." "Of course we shall all be delighted to have you." "Hilda," said Judy, "do you know that Mildred Anstruther is down at the house waiting to see you?" A faint shadow of disappointment flitted across Hilda Merton's face--an additional wave of color mounted to Jasper Quentyns' brow. He looked at Hilda to see if she had noticed it; Hilda turned from him and began to arrange her music. "Come," she said, "we mustn't keep Mildred waiting." "What has she come for?" asked Jasper, as the three walked down the shady avenue. "You know you are glad to see her," replied Hilda suddenly. Something in her tone caused Jasper to laugh and raise his brows in mock surprise. Judy looked eagerly from one face to the other. Her heart began to beat with fierce dislike to Jasper. What right had he to interfere with Hilda's music, and above all things, what right, pray, had he to bring that tone, into Hilda's beloved voice? Judy clasped her sister's arm with a tight pressure. In a few minutes they reached the old-fashioned and cozy Rectory. The Rector was pacing about in the pleasant evening sunshine, and Mildred Anstruther was walking by his side and chatting to him. "Oh, here you are," said Mildred, running up to her friend and greeting her with affection; "and you have come too, Mr. Quentyns?--this is a delightful surprise." "You had better run into the house now, Judy," said Hilda. "Yes, darling, go at once." "May I come down after dinner to-night, Hilda?" "You look rather pale, Judy, and as we are having friends to dinner it may be best for you to go to bed early," said another voice. It proceeded from the comfortable, good-natured mouth of Aunt Marjorie. "No, no, Aunt Maggie, you won't send me to bed. Hilda, you'll plead for me, won't you?" gasped Judy. "I think she may come down just for half an hour, auntie," said Hilda, smiling. "Well, child, it must be as you please; of course we all know who spoils Judy." "Of course we all know who loves Judy," said Hilda. "Now are you satisfied, my sweet? Run away; be the best of good children. Eat a hearty tea; don't think of any trouble. Oh, Judy! what a frown you have between your brows; let me kiss it away. I'll find you in the drawing room after dinner." "And you'll come and talk to me if only for one minute. Promise, promise, Hilda!" "Of course I promise; now run off."