leave and August was longed for with an eagerness he could not have
dreamed. Everything must be in perfect order to receive him, and Peggy
flew from house to garden, from garden to stables, from stables to
paddock keyed to a state of excitement which infected every member of
the household. Dr. Llewellyn smiled sympathetically. Harrison, the
housekeeper, stalked after her, doing her best to carry out her orders,
while announcing that: NOW, she guessed, there would be some hope of
making Mr. Neil see the folly of letting a girl of Peggy's age run wild
as a hawk forever and a day. She'd have one talk with him he'd do well
to take heed to or she'd know why. Mammy Lucy said little but watched
her young mistress' radiant face. It was eight months since Master Neil
had been home and deep in her tender old heart she understood better
than any one else what his coming meant to Peggy. Harrison might have a
better idea of what was wise and best for her young charge, but Mammy's
love taught her many things which Harrison could never learn.

Meanwhile Peggy spent the greater part of her days down at the paddock,
for Shashai must be broken to saddle and bridle in order to receive his
master in proper style. A blanket and halter might answer for the mad
gallops across country which they had hitherto taken, but Daddy Neil was
coming home for a month and the horses must do the place credit.

With this end in view, Peggy betook herself to the paddock one morning
before breakfast, saddle and bridle borne behind her by Bud. Shashai
welcomed her with his clear nicker, sweeping up to the gate in his long,
rocking stride so like the Empress'. Tzaritza with her foster-son
followed in Peggy's wake, Tzaritza sniffing inquiringly at the saddle,
Roy pranking thither and yonder, rich just in the joy of being alive.
Shashai had never quite overcome his jealousy of his young half-brother,
and now laid back his ears in reproof of his unseemly gambols; Shashai's