She invariably called him "Captain," and although he had no right whatever to the name, he enjoyed the sound very much, and never dreamed of correcting her. "I do hope," she continued, her brow puckering slightly, "that nothing has occurred to keep your dear, good father from joining in our Christmas festivities. I don't know what the Colonel would say if the Major were not present at our Christmas dinner. Do tell me at once, Captain, that nothing is wrong with your esteemed father." "Nothing whatever," said Reid; "he is coming along presently in one of Hoggs' cabs. I thought I would come first for the simple reason that I want to have a word alone with you, Miss Susie." "Oh, I am only too delighted," said Susie; and she rustled her silk petticoat as she spoke, getting closer to the young man, and looking redder in the face than ever. "What is it? If there is anything in my power--" "Oh, it is quite a simple matter," he said. "You know I dine out a great deal, but I may say without verging a hair's line from the truth, that I never enjoy any dinners as I do yours--a little old-fashioned of course--but so good, the food so--A.1. Now I noticed last Christmas that you, Miss Susie--ah! Miss Susie!--you must have been in London since I saw you last and picked up some of the modes of the great world. I noticed that you had adopted some of the latest London fashions: for instance, the names of the guests put beside their plates." "It was Lady Lorrimer, when she was here two years ago, who told me about that," said Susie. "I generally use a number of correspondence cards, cutting them very carefully to the necessary shape, and printing the names in my very best writing. It helps our servants, and our visitors know where to sit." "Quite so. I think it is an excellent idea. But please tell me--where am I to sit at dinner to-night?" She laughed, and half blushed. She had meant this good "Captain Reid" to take herself in to dinner, having reserved a much more elderly lady for Major Reid. But somehow, as she looked into his face, an intuition came to her. She was a woman with very quick intuitions, and she could read a man's thoughts in a flash. "Never mind whom you were to take in," she said. "Tell me quickly-- quickly--whom you wish to sit next. Ah, there's another ring at the bell!" "Well, to tell you the truth, I want to take Florence Heathcote into dinner to-night. Can you manage it?" "I certainly can, and will. Dear, beautiful Florence! No wonder you admire her. I will give directions this minute. Just sit down, won't you, near the fire. I will go and alter the dinner-table." Lieutenant Reid seated himself with a smile round his lips. He had achieved his purpose.