open struggle, though there was a good deal of low murmur, and the
foreman's work was not essentially disagreeable, even while Vera
maintained, what she believed to be an axiom, that governesses were
detestable, and that the M.A. must incur the penalty of acting as
such.

Very soon after luncheon appeared three figures on bicycles. Wilfred
Merrifield, with Mysie and Valetta, come to give another lesson on
the "flying circle's speed."

Magdalen came out with her young people to enjoy their amusement, as
well as to watch over her own precious machine, as Vera said. It was
admired, as became connoisseurs in the article; and she soon saw that
Wilfred was to be trusted with the care of it, so she consented to
its being ridden in the practice, provided it was not taken out into
the lanes.

Mysie turned off from the practising, where she was not wanted, and
joined Miss Prescott in walking through the garden terraces, and
planning what would best adorn them, talking over favourite books,
and enjoying themselves very much; then going on to the quarry, where
Mysie looked about with a critical eye to see if it displayed any
fresh geological treasures to send Fergus in quest of. She began
eagerly to pour forth the sister's never-ending tale of her brother's
cleverness, and thus they came down the outside lane to the lower
gate, seeing beforehand the sparkle of bicycles in its immediate
proximity.

It was not open, but Vera might be seen standing with one hand on the
latch, the other on Magdalen's bicycle, her face lifted with