"Very fond of some children," he answered gravely. "I shall be very fond of this boy, if he will let me." "Leo is such a darling--and he takes to you already," said Mopsy, seeing that the child graciously accepted Mr. Hamleigh's attentions, and even murmured an approving "gur"--followed by a simple one-part melody of gurgling noises--but whether in approval of the gentlemen himself or of his watch-chain, about which the pink flexible fingers had wound themselves, was an open question. This was in the hall after breakfast, on a bright sunshiny morning--doors and windows open, and the gardens outside all abloom with chrysanthemums and scarlet geraniums; the gentlemen of the party standing about with their guns ready to start. Mopsy and Dopsy were dressed in home-made gowns of dark brown serge which simulated the masculine simplicity of tailor-made garments. They wore coquettish little toques of the same dark brown stuff, also home-made--and surely, if a virtuous man contending with calamity is a spectacle meet for the gods to admire a needy young woman making her own raiment is at least worthy of human approval. "You are coming with us, aren't you, Hamleigh," asked Leonard, seeing Angus still occupied with the child. "No, thanks; I don't feel in good form for woodcock shooting. My cough was rather troublesome last night." Mopsy and Dopsy looked at each other despairingly. Here was a golden opportunity lost. If it were only possible to sprain an ankle on the instant. Jack Vandeleur was a good brother--so long as fraternal kindness did not cost money--and he saw that look of blank despair in poor Dopsy's eyes and lips. "I think Mr. Hamleigh is wise," he said. "This bright morning will end in broken weather. Hadn't you two girls better stay at home? The rain will spoil your gowns." "Our gowns won't hurt," said Mopsy brightening. "But do you really think there will be rain? We had so set our hearts on going with you; but it is rather miserable to be out on those hills in a blinding rain. One might walk over the edge of a cliff." "Keep on the safe side and stay at home," said Leonard, with that air of rough good nature which is such an excellent excuse for bad manners. "Come Ponto, come Juno, hi Delia," this to the lovely lemon and white spaniels, fawning upon him with mute affection. "I think we may as well give it up," said Dopsy, "we shall be a nuisance to the shooters if it rains."