“I own your method is the best, nurse,” observed Mr. Morton, pleasantly. “My boy will not be spoiled, I see that. I confess I should have given him the toy directly he screamed for it; you showed greater wisdom than his father.” It is impossible to say how much this speech gratified me. From that moment I liked as well as respected Mr. Morton. My first holiday arrived somewhat unexpectedly. A little before the nursery dinner Travers brought a message from Mrs. Morton that Joyce was to go out with her in the carriage, and that if I liked to have the afternoon and evening to myself, Mrs. Garnett could take charge of Reggie. The offer was too tempting to be refused. I do not think I ever knew the meaning of the word holiday before. No schoolgirl felt in greater spirits than I did during dinner time. It was a lovely April afternoon. I took out of my wardrobe a soft grey merino, my best dress, and a little grey velvet bonnet that Aunt Agatha’s skilful hands had made for me. I confess I looked at myself with some complacency. “No one would take me for a nurse,” I thought. In the hall I encountered Mr. Morton; he was just going out. For the moment he did not recognise me. He removed his hat hurriedly; no doubt he thought me a stranger. I could not help smiling at his mistake, and then he said, rather awkwardly, “I did not know you, Miss Fenton. I am glad you have such a lovely afternoon for your holiday; there seems a look of spring in the air,” all very civilly, but with his keen eyes taking in every particular of my dress. I heard from Mrs. Garnett afterwards that he very much approved of Miss Fenton’s quiet, ladylike appearance, and as he was a very fastidious man, this was considered high praise. There was more than a touch of spring in the air; the delicious softness seemed to promise opening buds. Down Exhibition-road the flower-girls were busy with their baskets of snowdrops and violets. I bought a few for Aunt Agatha, then I remembered that Uncle Keith had a weakness for a particular sort of scone, and I bought some and a slice of rich Dundee seed cake. I felt like a schoolgirl providing a little home feast, but how pleasant it is to cater for those we love. I was glad when my short journey was over, and I could see the river shimmering a steely blue in the spring sunshine. The old church towers seemed more venerable and picturesque. As I walked down High-street I looked at the well-known shops with an interest I never felt before. When I reached the cottage I rang very softly, that Aunt Agatha should not be disturbed. Patience uttered a pleased exclamation when she caught sight of me. “Is it really yourself, Miss Merle? I could hardly believe my eyes. Mistress is in there reading,” pointing to the drawing-room. “She has not heard the bell, I’ll be bound, so you can surprise her finely.”