white-and-gold like the walls, and in that spurious classical style
which prevailed during the first French Empire. The window-curtains
and coverings of sofas and chairs were of dark-green velvet.

A gentleman was standing in one of the open windows looking out at
the garden. He turned as Milly and I went in, and I recognised Mr.
Stormont. He came forward to shake hands with his cousin, and smiled
his peculiar slow smile at her expression of surprise.

'You didn't know I was here, Milly?'

'No, indeed; I had no idea of seeing you.'

'I wonder your father did not tell you of my visit. I came over this
morning for a fortnight's holiday. I've been working a little harder
than usual lately, and my uncle is good enough to say I have earned
a rest.'

'I wonder you don't go abroad for a change.'

'I don't care about a change. I had much rather come to Thornleigh.'

He looked at her very earnestly as he said this. I had been sure of
it that afternoon when we all three sat in the summer-house at
Albury Lodge, but I could see that Milly herself had no idea of the
truth.

'Well, Milly, what do you think of your new mamma?' he asked
presently.