"But then you refused to be an elephant, you know," I reminded her.

"He shall go to bed for it - directly after tea!" she said.

"Lisbeth," I returned, "I firmly believe your nature to be
altogether too sweet and forgiving - "

"I want to come down !"

"Certainly," I said; "put your left foot in my right hand, take firm
hold of the branch above and let yourself sink gently into my arms."

"Oh!" she exclaimed suddenly, "here's Mr. Selwyn coming," and
following her glance, I saw a distant Panama approaching.

"Lisbeth," said I, "are you anxious to see him?"

"In this ridiculous situation - of course not!"

"Very well then, hide - just sit there and leave matters to me
and - "

"Hush," she whispered, and at that moment Selwyn emerged into full
view. Catching sight of me he stopped in evident surprise.

"I was told I should find Miss Elizabeth here," he said stiffly.

"It would almost appear that you had been misinformed," I answered.
For a moment he seemed undecided what to do. Would he go away? I