shared a French nurse between them; and then Victor, going to
school, had gradually forgotten; while Victoria, remaining at home,
had continued her conversations with "madame."

"Oh!" said Victoria. "Then you must be a French fairy."

Now the Professor had impressed upon Malvina that for reasons
needless to be explained--anyhow, he never had explained them--she
was not to mention that she was a fairy. But he had not told her to
deny it. Indeed how could she? The most that could be expected
from her was that she should maintain silence on the point. So in
answer to Victoria she explained that her name was Malvina, and that
she had flown across from Brittany in company with "Sir Arthur,"
adding that she had often heard of England and had wished to see it.

"How do you like it?" demanded Victoria.

Malvina confessed herself charmed with it. Nowhere had she ever met
so many birds. Malvina raised her hand and they all three stood in
silence, listening. The sky was ablaze and the air seemed filled
with their music. The twins were sure that there were millions of
them. They must have come from miles and miles and miles, to sing
to Malvina.

Also the people. They were so good and kind and round. Malvina for
the present was staying with--accepting the protection, was how she
put it, of the wise and learned Christopher. The "habitation" could
be seen from where they stood, its chimneys peeping from among the
trees. The twins exchanged a meaning glance. Had they not all
along suspected the Professor! His black skull cap, and his big