Gerald looked rather taken aback at this, for he had had no such intention, thinking that if he took Angel to watch the cricket match he would have to devote his time to her instead of being able to spend it with his boon companions; so he made answer that his sister did not understand the game of cricket, and he did not know if she would care about it. The truth was, he did not mean to consider or consult his sister in the matter at all. Mrs. Mickle could not guess what was passing through his mind; she looked at him, evidently rather puzzled, then said— "Oh, but I'm sure Angel will like to watch the match. You must bring her with you, for Dinah and Dora will be there, and—" "Oh yes!" Gerald interposed quickly, his countenance suddenly brightening as he reflected that if the Mickle girls were amongst the onlookers he would be able to leave his sister with them, and therefore she would not be in his way at all. "Oh, yes! I dare say Angel will enjoy it!" Gilbert and Tom exchanged amused glances at Gerald's sudden change of tone. The former remarked— "I don't want to miss my painting lesson next Saturday, but this will be the great match of the season, and I shouldn't like to miss that either." "You must ask Mr. Willis to excuse your absence on Saturday afternoon," Mrs. Mickle said; "perhaps he will like to see the match too." "I dare say he will!" Gerald cried eagerly, "And Uncle Edward! He's very interested in cricket. If he and father go to watch the match they're certain to take Angel with them." "And you will be free to do as you please," Tom exclaimed involuntarily. There was a short, awkward pause. Gerald grew crimson with annoyance and mortification. He was very vexed with Tom for so plainly reading his thoughts, and darted an angry look at him, which was greeted with a teasing smile. "How fast the summer term is passing!" Mrs. Mickle exclaimed presently, wisely ignoring her younger son's remark. "Why, we shall soon have the holidays here!" "Another month before that, mother," Gilbert reminded her. "Look! Here comes father. And Mr. Willis with him." "Father said perhaps he'd come to fetch us," Gerald explained. "I hope it is not quite time for us to go yet." Mrs. Mickle rose, and went to meet the newcomers. The boys now joined the girls, and suggested another game, leaving the arbour for the use of their elders. Very pleasantly the remainder of the evening slipped away, and the little party broke up regretfully at last. "Having tea out of doors is lovely," Angel remarked on her homeward way; "it's ever so much nicer than in the house isn't it, Gerald?" "Rather!" her brother responded heartily. "I had a spider in my tea," he added, "but I didn't mind that." Mr. Willis laughed amusedly. They were now passing Myrtle Villa, and Miss Goodwin's piping voice addressed them from the other side of the sweetbriar hedge.