never wasted, my boy--never wasted. I wish you all success from the bottom of my heart." "Insufferable old idiot!" growled Arnold, under his breath. But he was thoroughly hurt and annoyed, and when he saw Frances, could not bring himself even to say a word to her. The squire went back to the house to enjoy his afternoon nap, and to reflect comfortably on the delicious fact that he had done himself a good turn. "There is no use playing with edge tools," he murmured. "Frances means well, but she confessed to me she loved him. What more likely, then, that she would accept him, and, notwithstanding her good resolutions, leave her poor old father in the lurch? If Frances accepts Arnold, it will be ruin to me, and it simply must be prevented at all hazards." CHAPTER XII. THE CUNNING LITTLE MOUSE. Fluff found her companion strangely dull. They reached the river, where Arnold, true to his promise, did stretch himself at full length in the long fragrant grass; and Fluff, true to her promise, touched her guitar gently, and gently, softly, and sympathetically sung a song or two. She sung about the "Auld acquaintance" who should never be forgot; she sung of "Robin Adair;" and, lastly, her clear little notes warbled out the exquisite Irish melody, "She is far from the land." Never had Fluff sung better. She threw feeling and sympathy into her notes--in short, she excelled herself in her desire to please. But when at the end of the third song Arnold still made no response, when not the flicker of an eyelid or the faintest dawn of a smile showed either approbation or pleasure, the spoiled child threw her guitar aside, and spoke pettishly. "I won't amuse you any more," she said. "I don't like sulky people; I am going home to my darling Frances. She is often troubled--oh, yes, she knows what trouble is--but she never sulks, never!" "Look here, Fluff," said Arnold. "I may call you Fluff, may I not?" "I don't mind." Fluff's big eyes began to dilate. She stretched out her hand to draw her guitar once more to her side. She was evidently willing to be reasonable. "Look here," repeated Arnold. He rose hastily, and leaning on a low wall which stood near, looked down at the bright little girl at his feet. "Fluff," he said, "should you greatly mind if I threw conventionality to the winds, and spoke frankly to you?" "I should not mind at all," said Fluff. "I don't know what you have got to say, but I hate conventionalities." "The fact is, I am very much bothered." "Oh!" "And I haven't a soul to consult." Another "Oh!" and an upward glance of two lovely long-fringed eyes. "And I think you have a kind, affectionate heart, Fluff." "I have." "And you won't misunderstand a man who is half distracted?" "I am sorry you are half distracted. No, I won't misunderstand you."