RUBY dared not disobey. Quite subdued, and with garments grievously
greened, she descended. Mamma took her little daughter indoors, and
improved the occasion. RUBY eventually appeared, with tears in her
eyes, and subsequently apologised to her governess, recited the page
of French phrases without a mistake, and promised to be a good girl.
Though she sometimes forgot herself, and was rude to Miss DUMBELL
afterwards, she never failed to treat Cawcus the Rook with most
profound consideration and reverence.

* * * * *

TO MELENDA.

(_A SET OF VERSES ACCOMPANYING A PHOTOGRAPH._)

[Illustration]

I remember--do you?--the remarkable sky light
That flooded the heavens one evening in May,
How together we talked _tête-à-tête_ in the twilight,
When the glow of the sunset had faded away.
Then you showed me your album. I looked at its pages.
With yourself as my guide and companion went through
Its contents--there were people of all sorts and ages,
But the portrait I fancied the most was--of you.

And you saw that I did. Which perhaps was the reason
Of your "No!" when I asked "May I have it?" You swore
You were going to be shot at the close of the season,