-for our youthful follies," concluded the Professor a little
nervously.

Malvina's eyes were fixed on the Professor. In the dim light of the
low-ceilinged room, those eyes seemed all of her that was visible.

"You wish it?" said Malvina.

It was not at all fair, as the Professor told himself afterwards,
her laying the responsibility on him. If she really was the
original Malvina, lady-in-waiting to Queen Harbundia, then she was
quite old enough to have decided for herself. From the Professor's
calculations she must now be about three thousand eight hundred.
The Professor himself was not yet sixty; in comparison a mere babe!
But Malvina's eyes were compelling.

"Well, it can't do any harm," said the Professor. And Malvina seems
to have accepted that as her authority.

"Let her come to the Cross Stones at sundown," directed Malvina.


The Professor saw the twins to the door. For some reason the
Professor could not have explained, they all three walked out on
tiptoe. Old Mr. Brent, the postman, was passing, and the twins ran
after him and each took a hand. Malvina was still standing where
the Professor had left her. It was very absurd, but the Professor
felt frightened. He went into the kitchen, where it was light and
cheerful, and started Mrs. Muldoon on Home Rule. When he returned
to the parlour Malvina was gone.