thought well of them. Mrs. Meadowsweet bestowed one or two broad glances
of approval upon the inseparable little trio, and their own small hearts
were dancing with expectation.

Would Bee, their darling, delightful, beautiful Bee, introduce them to
Captain Bertram? Would he speak to them and smile upon them? Would he
tell them stories of some of his gallant exploits? The Bells' round
faces seemed to grow plumper, and their saucer eyes fuller, as they
contemplated this contingency. What supreme bliss would be theirs if
Captain Bertram singled them out for attention? Already they were in
love with his name, and were quite ready to fall down in a phalanx of
three, and worship the hero of many imaginary fights.

Standing by the open window, and with no shyness or stiffness whatever
about them, Daisy and Polly Jenkins were to be seen. Daisy was a
full-blown girl with a rather loud voice, and a manner which was by some
considered very fascinating; for it had the effect of instantly taking
you, as it were, behind the scenes, and into her innermost confidence.

Daisy was rather good-looking, and was the adored of Albert Bell, the
little round-faced girls' brother. She was dressed in voluminous muslin
draperies, and was a decidedly large and comfortable-looking young
woman.

Polly was a second edition of her sister, only not so good-looking. She
had made up her mind to marry Mr. Jones, the curate, who for his part
was deeply in love with Beatrice.

"They are frightfully late, aren't they?" exclaimed Daisy Jenkins,
giving a slight yawn, and looking longingly out at the tennis courts as