"I understand. Well, I shall speak to your mother about Mr Raston. Oh, do not look so afraid, Miss Peggy. I know very well what I am about. I have managed much more obstinate people in my time. All you have to do is to look pleased as though you were delighted with me. That will put your mother on the wrong scent." "Harold will not like it," objected Peggy, as they returned to join the others. "Harold is Mr Raston." "I gathered that from your blush," said Pratt, with a chuckle. "Well, leave it to me. There is Harold making signals. What is up now?" Mrs Bathurst informed them as soon as they came within earshot. "Come here at once, Peggy," she screamed. "Mr Pratt, come here! Mr Raston is about to take a group with his kodak. It will be a memorial of my picnic." The American did not seem pleased. For the moment his usually active tongue was silent, and he seemed unwilling to form part of the group. "I do not care about having my likeness taken, Mrs Bathurst," he said. "But indeed you must--in the group," said the lady, vigorously; "dear Mr Pratt, do not spoil the little memorial of my picnic." "It can be taken without me, Mrs Bathurst." "That would be the play of Hamlet with the Prince left out," replied the lady, gracefully. "Mrs Gabriel, add your entreaties." "Oh! Mr Pratt will not listen to me," said Mrs Gabriel, severely, "I know him of old. He can be obstinate when he chooses." Pratt laughed but gave her a sly look which made her wince. Strong woman as she was, there was something about this artless, good-natured little man which made her turn white and draw her breath in quick gasps. "I consent to be taken," said Pratt, withdrawing his gaze, "if I am permitted to arrange the group myself." "Certainly," said Raston, brightly. He had been exchanging a few words with Peggy. "Arrange it as you please." Leo, who had Hale at his elbow, ranged alongside the American. "You know where to place me," he said softly, and Pratt nodded. It was mainly for that reason that he wished to arrange the group. The result of his efforts was that Leo and Sybil were together, much to the wrath of the baronet and Mrs Gabriel. The others Pratt scattered anyhow, and placed himself at the back. Raston did not approve of this. "You can hardly be seen, Mr Pratt," he said. "Please come more forward." Pratt hesitated, but, catching sight of a cold smile on the face of Mrs Gabriel, he gave her a defiant look and placed himself in the position indicated by Mr Raston's outstretched finger. Then the curate adjusted his kodak and took three pictures. He also had to take a fourth, as Mrs Bathurst wanted herself to be seen making tea, surrounded by her guests. "To recall a happy, happy day," she explained. "You are fond of photography, Raston?" said Pratt, when this was over. "Very. I have taken pictures all round the place." "And the other day he took a picture of the cup you gave," put in Sybil.