[Illustration: THE GIRL'S OWN PAPER VOL. XX.--NO. 991.] DECEMBER 24, 1898. [PRICE ONE PENNY.] ABOUT PEGGY SAVILLE. BY JESSIE MANSERGH (Mrs. G. de Horne Vaizey), Author of "Sisters Three," etc. [Illustration: "AN ATTITUDE CALCULATED TO SHOW OFF ALL THE SPLENDOUR OF HER ATTIRE." (_See page 183._)] _All rights reserved._] CHAPTER XII. As Peggy sat writing in the study one afternoon, a shaggy head came peering round the door, and Robert's voice said eagerly: "Mariquita! A word in your ear! Could you come out and take a turn round the garden for half an hour before tea, or are you too busy?" "Not at all. I am entirely at your disposal," said Peggy elegantly, and the young people made their way to the cloak-room, swung on coats and sailor-hats, and sallied out into the fresh autumn air. "Mariquita," said Robert; then, using once more the name by which he chose to address Peggy in their confidential confabs, "Mariquita, I am in difficulties. There is a microscope advertised in _Science_ this week that is the very thing I have been pining for for the last six years. I must get it, or die, but the question is--_how?_ You see before you a penniless man." He looked at Peggy as he spoke, and met her small, demure smile. "My dear and honourable sir----" "Yes, yes, I know; drop that, Mariquita! Don't take for granted, like Mellicent, that because a man has a title he must necessarily be a millionaire. Everything is comparative! My father is rich compared to the Vicar, but he is really hard up for a man in his position. He gets almost no rent for his land nowadays, and I am the third son. I haven't as much pocket-money in a month as Oswald gets through in a week. Now that microscope is twenty pounds, and if I were to ask the governor for it, he wouldn't give it to me, but he would sigh and look wretched at being obliged to refuse. He's a kind-hearted fellow, you know, who doesn't like to say 'No,' and I hate to worry him. Still--that microscope! I must have it. By hook or by crook, I must have it. I've set my mind on that." "I'm sure I hope you will, though for my part you must not expect me to look through it. I like things to be pretty, and when you see them through a microscope they generally look hideous. I saw my own hand once--ugh!" Peggy shuddered. "Twenty pounds! Well, I can only say that my whole worldly wealth is at your disposal. Draw on me for anything you like--up to seven and six! That's all the money I have till the beginning of the month."