"I am arranging the _china_, Mr. Ted," he explained, with marked emphasis on the word china, in reproof of the reflection cast upon that valuable earthenware, "in compliance with my mistress’s wish that tea should be served at four o’clock." Hazel, who with Paul had been enjoying the foregoing dialogue, at this juncture interposed. "You silly boys," she exclaimed, laughing merrily, "you have all been fast asleep. And you have had the narrowest possible escape of being surprised by a stranger," she added, looking down one of the pathways leading from the house. "See, who is it, coming with mother?" The whole party followed the direction of her gaze, to behold their mother accompanied by an elderly gentleman, inclined to portliness, wearing a short, iron-grey beard and moustache. Teddie, rubbing his eyes to observe the more surely, presently gave vent to a long, low whistle. "Great Scott!" he remarked briefly, and rose uncertainly to his feet. Slowly the two approached, conversing as they came. By the time they reached the little party, that had risen to receive them, Teddie had completely recovered himself, and, by right of acquaintanceship, advanced to greet his mother’s guest. "Hallo, Mr. Hamilton, this is a surprise," he said cordially, holding out a friendly hand. "I am glad to see you." Mr. Hamilton took the proffered hand, and stood regarding the lanky youth’s honest countenance for some moments before he spoke. "Thank you, Le Mesurier," he said, with twinkling eyes; "I hope you won’t be less glad when I tell you what occasions my visit. The truth is I am shorthanded, young Smith having left me——" He paused and hesitated. "Is that ’the Lout?’" asked Hazel, who was listening wide-eyed. "Oh, Teddie, then you could go back." "My sister," said Teddie, shortly, formally. "Hazel, you should not interrupt." "Oh, I beg your pardon," she said, turning a pair of penitent brown eyes on Mr. Hamilton. "I—I was so pleased, you know." "Not at all, my dear young lady," he returned, somewhat drily, half incensed, half amused, to note that this lovely girl also, like the mother, seemed to consider all coaxing and persuading in the matter due and necessary to the independent Teddie. "Not at all; but may I inquire what it was you asked?" "If ’young Smith’ was ’the Lout,’" Hazel replied, blushing. "I did not know him by that name," Mr. Hamilton replied, smiling in spite of himself; "but I dare say it is the same person—the epithet is not inapposite. Well, Le Mesurier," he continued, "what do you say? Like another trial, eh? But, mind, you must keep your ink-pot in your desk; and there must be no further need of raw steaks in my office—it is not a butcher’s shop, you know. Is that a bargain?"