It was nearly dinner-time when they reached home, and Miles was eagerly waiting for his game of "Spelicans" with Sir Everard. He was, however, never quite happy unless Humphrey was included in his amusements, if he happened to be present: so after a time "Spelicans" was changed to "Old Maid," a game of which both boys were particularly fond. No "lady of a certain age" could have shown more eagerness to get rid of the fatal Queen than did the two little brothers, and they played as if their whole future depended upon it. Great was their delight and exultation when, at the end of the game, they found they had both escaped the fate of single blessedness; and, with great clapping of hands and other demonstrations of triumph, Sir Everard was informed that he "would be an old maid." CHAPTER XII. It was a lovely day, real harvest weather, when Sir Everard Duncombe and his two little boys took their way to the corn-field to see the new machine at work. Sir Everard was going up to town that evening, but it was for the last time; and then, to the children's delight, he had promised to come down for good, and had settled that the Harvest Home should take place early in the ensuing week. The corn-field presented a gay appearance when they reached it. The new machine, drawn by two fine horses, and driven by the bailiff, was careering along the corn, with the reapers all running by the side. Down fell the golden grain on all sides, and eager hands collected and bound it up. With a shout of joy, Humphrey was among them, hindering every one and alarming his father by continually getting in the way of the machine and the horses. Of course he was not long content with so subordinate a part in the proceedings; and came to beg his father to let him mount up on the little seat by the bailiff's side. Sir Everard assisted him up, and the machine went off again, followed by the reapers. By and by, Sir Everard looked at his watch, and found it was time to be making his way to the station. The children were so happy, he had not the heart to take them away. "They are quite safe," he reflected, "with so many people about; and I will send Virginie to them, as I pass the house." Humphrey was out of sight, so Sir Everard told Miles (who was playing with the "little girl at the lodge") to look out for Virginie, and to say "good-bye" for him to Humphrey. Little Miles held up his face to be kissed--a thin face it was still--and said: "You'll come back soon, Fardie, and not go away any more?" "Very soon, my darling; and then not leave you again till next year! We'll have great fun, and you must be a good little man, and not get ill any more." "I promise, Fardie." Sir Everard smiled rather sadly, kissed the child over and over again, and then walked away.