One day her mistress had taken her three boys, aged six, seven, and eight, to the Zoological Gardens in honour of Sir Alfred's birthday, and Sarah was given a whole day's holiday. She had written to Dick to ask whether he could get a day off and take her for a walk, and, as he bore a very good and steady character, his master let him have the day, knowing he was engaged to Sarah. At eleven o'clock they started for their trip, and Dick suggested going in a penny steamer down the Thames, to which Sarah joyfully agreed. The day was very fine and warm, and when they landed at Greenwich they bought some ginger beer and buns, and had quite a feast on the grass under some shady trees. They naturally had a great deal to tell each other, and discussed many plans for the future. Dick told Sarah that his master was thinking of taking a house in the north of Scotland for a year, and he wanted Dick very much to go with him. Sarah was very distressed about this, as she thought a year a very long time, and in her heart of hearts she was afraid Dick might get to like some one else better than herself. Dick read her thoughts fairly accurately, and assured her she need never think he would forget her, as he felt certain there was no nicer or prettier girl all the world over, and Sarah was too pleased at this speech to think of further objections. At last they had to turn homewards, and on the steamer they spoke but little, each wondering when and where they should meet again, little thinking how much was to happen before a year was over. Walking down the Embankment towards Westminster Sarah all at once met her father, who was so deep in conversation with his companion, Mrs. Carrol, that he did not see Sarah till they were close to each other. "Oh, father," she said, "I am very glad to see you, and really you look quite well and cheery again." Mr. Brown was equally surprised to see Sarah, and rather stammered out his welcome. The girl turned to Mrs. Carrol and said-- "Well, Mrs. Carrol, how are you; thank you so much for looking after my father so well. I really don't know what he would have done without you." Mr. Brown here interrupted Sarah by saying: "Yes, she has indeed earned our thanks, and she has promised I need never do without her again--in fact, we were married this morning, and we were on our way to see you and ask for your congratulations." Sarah could hardly believe her ears, and showed very plainly that such was the case, whilst Dick stood by in shocked silence. "Oh, father!" cried Sarah, "do you mean to say you have already forgotten my dear mother? Why, it is barely four months since we lost her. I don't think you have behaved well to me in this matter. Surely I ought to have been told before this last step was taken." Mr. Brown gazed in silence at Sarah's flushed and angry face, not knowing what to say. He managed at last, however, to get in a few words of excuse between her breathless expostulations.