the island, the two girls had become fast friends, and the friendship
had culminated in an offer being made by Maria Lee to Fraulein von
Holtzhausen to come and live with her as a companion, a proposal that
exactly suited the latter.

The mention of Miss Lee's name had awakened pleasant recollections in
Philip's mind, recollections that, at any other time, might have
tended towards the sentimental; but, when under fire from the blue
eyes of this stately foreigner, it was impossible for him to feel
sentimental about anybody save herself. "The journey is over all too
soon," was the secret thought of each as they stepped on to the Roxham
platform. Before they had finally said good-bye, however, a young lady
with a dainty figure, in a shady hat and pink and white dress, came
running along the platform.

"Hilda, Hilda, here I am! How do you do, dear? Welcome home," and she
was about to seal her welcome with a kiss, when her eye fell upon
Philip standing by.

"Oh, Philip!" she cried with a blush, "don't you know me? Have I
changed much? I should have known you anywhere; and I am glad to see
you, awfully glad (excuse the slang, but it is such a relief to be
able to say 'awful' without being pulled up by Aunt Chambers). Just
think, it is three years since we met. Do you remember Grumps? How do
I look? Do you think you will like me as much as you used to?"

"I think that you are looking the same dear girl that you always used
to look, only you have grown very pretty, and it is not possible that
I shall like you more than I used to."