would be for Allen, stigmatising the amiable Lisette, who of course by this time had married poor George Gould, as an obnoxious, presuming woman, whom it would be very difficult to keep in her right position. It was not a bad thing that Elvira should have a taste of London society, to make her less likely to fall under her influence. “That is not a danger I should have apprehended,” said Caroline. “The woman can fawn, and that is exactly what a haughty being like Elvira likes. She is always pining for a homage she does not get in the family.” “Except from poor Allen.” “Except from Allen, but that is a matter of course. He is a slave to be flouted! Did you ever see a greater contrast than that between her and our evening guests?” “Esther and Eleanor? They have grown up into very sweet-looking girls.” “Not that there can be any comparison between them. Essie has none of the ponderous Highness in her--only the Serenity.” “Yes, there is a very pleasant air of innocent candour about their faces--” “Just what it does a man good to look at. It is like going out into the country on a spring morning. And there is very real beauty too--” “Yes, Kencroft monopolises all the good looks of the family. What a fine fellow the dear old Friar has grown.” “If you bring out those two girls this year, you will take the shine out of all the other chaperons!” “I wonder whether your aunt would like it.” “She never made any objection to Jessie’s going out with you.” “No. I should like it very much; I wonder I had not thought of it before, but I had hardly realised that Essie and Ellie were older than Babie, but I remember now, they are eighteen and seventeen.” “It would be so good for you to have something human and capable of a little consideration to go out with,” added Bobus, “not to be tied to the tail of a will-of-the-wisp like that Elf--I should not like that for you.” “I am not much afraid,” said Caroline. “You know I don’t stand in such awe of the little donna, and I shall have my Guardsman to take care of me when we are too frivolous for you. But it would be very nice to have those two girls, and make it pleasanter for my Infanta, who will miss Sydney a good deal.” “I thought the Evelyns were to be in town.” “Yes, but their house is at the other end of the park. What are Jock and the Infanta looking at?” Jock and Babie, who were on a good way in advance in very happy and eager conversation, had come to a sudden stop, and now turned round, exclaiming “Look, mother! Here’s the original Robin Goodfellow.”