They were silent again. Lorry, feeling it was all very dismal, gave a little whine. "And so," Lady Dorothy said at last, "I made a mistake, Dick. When my father died soon after Byng, I left the court, and bought this old house in this desolate country, and came here out of the world." "Well, I'm glad you didn't marry John Dent, Cousin Dorothy," said Dick, with a great sigh. "One mistake was enough, Dick." "And is that why--why you were so good to me, Cousin Dorothy?" "That is why I loved you immediately, Dick. It was because of your eyes, Dick--real Chester eyes. I knew you before you told me, dear. And you will always stay with me, and be my brother, Dick, will you not?" A little while later she said: "But I came meaning to cheer you, not make you sadder." "I'm happier," said Dick. "But listen. I have a birthday, sir, week after next, and I have a mind to be gay." Lorry wagged his tail as if he understood something more cheerful was coming up for discussion. "Now, what shall we do on the day, Dick?" Dick thought solemnly for a few moments. "I have it!" he cried. "We'll ride out early, and take with us our breakfast and our dinner." "Ah!" said her ladyship. "And eat them both at once. And then what, sir?" "No, no!" cried the boy eagerly. "Ride a long way first, Cousin Dorothy, then breakfast. Then on again to the ruined abbey you told me of in the woods." "Then dinner?" she suggested. "Then dinner!" cried Dick. "And you will tell me stories about the monks, and the knights who used to ride about adventuring. Then ride home in the evening. A lovely day, Cousin Dorothy! a lovely day!" "Agreed," she said. "But what next? There will be some hours left over, Dick. There will be--" "There will be supper!" cried Dick, as one inspired. "Supper, Cousin Dorothy, with roasted ducks, green peas, and strawberries, Cousin Dorothy! And cream!" Lorry lifted his head and barked for joy. "Ducks' bones, Lorry," said Dick, poking him in the ribs. "And skin--nice brown skin. Ah! so rich, and bad for dogs." "We'll have a perfect banquet, Dickie," said her Ladyship, rising to the occasion, and enjoying his delight. "You shall be toast-master for the night, and call my health, after His Majesty's. And you may wish me a long and happy life; for I dare look forward to one now with my dear little brother Dick. And I'll wear white satin and pearls, sir. And you, what will you wear?" "My best suit--the gray, Cousin. 'Tis as good as new." "Well enough for most days, Dick; not festive enough for this. 'Tis to be a new life for me, Dick--less selfish, much brighter. You must wear something new, for luck, and to remind you to wish me happiness, you know." "Then I'd best wear the rags I came in," cried Dick impulsively. "Remind me to wish you well, Cousin Dorothy? They'd remind me, did I ever forget for a second of the day."