opening on to the lawn.

In the dining-room he turned, and, after a moment's hesitation,
stuttered out--

"Maria, don't be angry with me, but may I give you a kiss?"

She blushed vividly.

"How dare you suggest such a thing?--but--but as Grumps has gone, and
there is no new Grumps to refer to, and therefore I can only consult
my own wishes, perhaps if you really wish to, Philip, why, Philip, you
may."

And he did.

When he was gone she leant her head against the cold marble
mantelpiece.

"I do love him," she murmured, "yes, that I do."



CHAPTER III

Philip was not very fond of taking walks with his father, since he
found that in nine cases out of ten they afforded opportunities for
inculcation of facts of the driest description with reference to
estate management, or to the narration by his parent of little
histories of which his conduct upon some recent occasion would adorn