CHAPTER III


Mr. Carlyon--for such was Cheiron's real name--knocked the ashes from
his long pipe next day at eleven o'clock in the morning, after his late
breakfast and began to arrange his books. His mind was away in a land of
classical lore; he had almost forgotten the sprite who had invaded his
solitude the previous afternoon, until he heard a tap at the window, and
saw her standing there--great, intelligent eyes aflame and rosy lips
apart.

"May I come in, please?" her voice said. "I am afraid I am a little
early, but I had something so very interesting to tell you, I had to
come."

He opened wide the window and let in the May sunshine.

"The first of May and a May Queen," he told her presently, when they
were seated in their two chairs. "And now begin this interesting news."

"Aunt Ginevra has promised to write to my step-father at once, and
suggest that no more governesses are sent to me. Won't it be perfectly
splendid if he agrees!"

"I really don't know," said Cheiron.

Halcyone's face fell.

"You promised to teach me Greek," she said simply, "and I know from my
'Heroes' that is all that I need necessarily learn from anyone to