“If father is satisfied—” began Miss Hartley. “’Satisfied’ is a cold and inadequate word,” said Robert. “He was delighted. He could not have been more pleased if I had told him that the entire five had succumbed to an attack of croup. I left my work to look after itself to come and give you the news.” “You are very kind,” said Joan, after some consideration. “It is a good thing for all concerned,” said Robert. “It is a load off my mind. The last time I was here, I was interrupted at a most critical moment by the entrance of Miss Trimblett.” “And now, instead of coming here to see them, you will have to go to Mrs. Chinnery’s,” said Joan. “When I want to,” said Mr. Vyner with a forced smile, as the twins came rushing into the room. “Yes.” The exodus took place three days afterward to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. Tranquil Vale alone regarded the advent of the newcomers with a certain amount of uneasiness, the joy of Ted and the twins when they found that there was a river at the bottom of the garden, threatening to pass all bounds. In a state of wild excitement they sat on the fence and waved to passing craft, until in an attempt to do justice to a larger ship than usual, Miss Gertrude Trimblett waved herself off the fence on to the stones of the foreshore below. Captain Sellers, who had been looking on with much interest, at once descended and rendered first aid. It was the first case he had had since he had left the sea, but, after a careful examination, he was able to assure the sufferer that she had broken her right leg in two places. The discovery was received with howls of lamentation from both girls, until Dolly blinded with tears, happened to fall over the injured limb and received in return such hearty kicks from it that the captain was compelled to reconsider his diagnosis, and after a further examination discovered that it was only bent. In quite a professional manner he used a few technical terms that completely covered his discomfiture. It was the beginning of a friendship which Tranquil Vale did its best to endure with fortitude, and against which Mrs. Chinnery fought in vain. In the company of Ted and the twins Captain Sellers renewed his youth. Together they discovered the muddiest places on the foreshore, and together they borrowed a neighbour’s boat and sailed down the river in quest of adventures. With youth at the prow and dim-sighted age at the helm, they found several. News of their doings made Hartley congratulate himself warmly on their departure. “Mrs. Chinnery is just the woman to manage them,” he said to Joan, “and Truefitt tells me that having children to look after has changed her wonderfully.” Miss Hartley, with a little shiver, said she could quite understand it. “I mean for the better,” said her father, “he said she is getting quite young and jolly again. And he told me that young Saunders is there a great deal.” Miss Hartley raised her eyebrows in mute interrogation.