"It has been a tedious task," was the reply; "and even now I have not done." "Indeed?" said Mistress Anne. "Nay," he replied; "it is quite possible that I may have to return within the month to continue my report." As he spoke he glanced furtively at Mistress Anne, to see what effect it would have upon her. To his satisfaction, she clapped her hands joyously. "I _am_ so glad," she cried, with childlike glee. Then, as if ashamed of her outburst, she looked down and blushed, ending by glancing timidly at Sir Mark. "She's very charming, after all," he thought, as he smiled upon her. "Poor girl, she can't help it, I suppose;" and he felt a pleasant glow of self-satisfaction and conceit run through his veins. "We see so little company," simpered Anne. "Really, you've seen very little of me," said Sir Mark. "But duty-- duty, Sir Thomas. I felt bound to stay there and keep matters well under my own eyes." "It must have been very tedious and tiresome," said Anne, innocently; "but then, Mace Cobbe is very nice and pleasant, is she not?" Sir Mark looked sharply to the speaker to see if this was a venomed shaft, but Mistress Anne's eyes were as wide open as her face was vacant and smooth. "Yes," he said, quickly; "a very pleasant, sensible girl. Well educated, too." "Yes," said Anne, dreamily. "I like Mace Cobbe, only dear father and my mother don't quite approve of my making her an intimate." The faint "Oh!" that escaped from Sir Thomas Beckley's lips must have been caused by a twinge of gout, for he did not venture to speak when he caught his daughter's eye. "Will you not come and see my mother, Sir Mark?" continued Anne, sweetly. "She is down in her simple-garden, by the southern wall." "I shall be delighted," was the reply; and rising, he escorted the lady out through an open bay window, and along the closely-shaven lawn. "Anne means to marry him," said Sir Thomas, gazing after his daughter, and rubbing his nose in a vexed manner. "What a smooth, soft puss it is! Who'd think she had such claws?" "She's innocence itself," said Sir Mark to himself, as he twisted his moustache-points, and smiled down tenderly at his companion, who blushed and trembled and faltered when he spoke to her, as naturally as a simple-hearted girl who had been longing for his return. "By all the gods it would be much easier work to make up matters here!" "Let me run on, and tell my mother you have come, Sir Mark," said Anne, ingenuously. "Nay, nay," said the guest, pressing the trembling little white hand he took; "I have not many hours to stay." "Oh!" cried Anne, gazing with piteous wide open eyes. "You are not going away to-day?" "In two hours' time, sweet, I must be on the road to London. Must--I must."