than the teeth of rabbits and hares. The twitter overhead had
ceased, except from a few braver and larger birds, including the
cuckoo, who did not fear night at this pleasant time of year. Nobody
seemed to be on the spot when she first drew near, but no sooner did
Margery stand at the intersection of the roads than a slight crashing
became audible, and her patron appeared. He was so transfigured in
dress that she scarcely knew him. Under a light great-coat, which
was flung open, instead of his ordinary clothes he wore a suit of
thin black cloth, an open waistcoat with a frill all down his shirt-
front, a white tie, shining boots, no thicker than a glove, a coat
that made him look like a bird, and a hat that seemed as if it would
open and shut like an accordion.

'I am dressed for the ball--nothing worse,' he said, drily smiling.
'So will you be soon.'

'Why did you choose this place for our meeting, sir?' she asked,
looking around and acquiring confidence.

'Why did I choose it? Well, because in riding past one day I
observed a large hollow tree close by here, and it occurred to me
when I was last with you that this would be useful for our purpose.
Have you told your father?'

'I have not yet told him, sir.'

'That's very bad of you, Margery. How have you arranged it, then?'

She briefly related her plan, on which he made no comment, but,
taking her by the hand as if she were a little child, he led her