The day wears on, and I see hardly anything of Marmaduke; it is already half-past five, and in another hour my joy must end. I stand at the door of a tent, framed in by blue and white canvas, with a crimson strawberry on its way to my lips, and am vaguely wondering at my lover's absence, when I see him coming towards me, by degrees, and with that guilty air that distinguishes most men when endeavoring secretly to achieve some cherished design. He looks slightly bored, but brightens as his eyes meet mine and hurries his footsteps. As he draws nearer I address to him some commonplace remark, upon which the two or three men who have been amusing me--my gaunt companion included--sheer off from me as though I had the plague; it being thoroughly understood on all sides that in me they behold the "coming Queen" of Strangemore. Their defection, however, disconcerts me not at all. I am too glad, too utterly gay on this glorious afternoon to let any trifles annoy me. "Did you miss me?" asked Marmaduke, tenderly. "Hardly. You see, I had scarcely time--I have been enjoying myself so much. It has been a delicious day altogether. Have you enjoyed it, Marmaduke?" "No. I was away from you." There is a world of reproach in his tone. "True; I had forgotten that," I say, wickedly. Then, "To tell the truth, 'Duke, I was just beginning to wonder had you forgotten my existence. How did you manage to keep away from me for so long?" "What unbearable conceit! I could not come to you a moment sooner. If I had to get through so much hard work every day as was put upon me this afternoon, I believe I should die of a decline. Don't you feel as if you hated all these people, Phyllis? I do." "No, indeed; I bear them nothing but good will. They have all helped by their presence to make up the sum of my enjoyment." "I am so glad the day has been a success--to you at least. Are you looking at that old turret, darling? There is such a beautiful view of the gardens from one of those windows?" This last suggestively. "Is there?" I answer, with careless indifference. Then, good-naturedly, "I think I would like to see it." "Would you?" much gratified. "Then come with me." In his heart I know he is rejoiced at the prospect of a _tete-a-tete_ alone with me--rejoiced, too, at the chance of getting rid for a while of all the turmoil and elegant bustle of the crowd. I go with him, down the garden path, through the shrubberies, up the stone steps, and into the large hall, past immodest statues and up interminable stairs, until we reach the small round chamber of which he speaks. I run to the window and look down eagerly upon the brilliant scene below; and certainly what meets my eyes rewards me for the treadmill work I have undergone for the purpose.