"Allow me to read the exact language of the Will next," Mr. Mool
answered. "'If her sweet disposition leads her into exceeding her
allowance, in the pursuit of her own little charities, my Trustees are
hereby authorized, at their own discretion, to increase the amount,
within the limit of another five hundred pounds annually.' It sounds
presumptuous, perhaps, on my part," said Mr. Mool, venturing on a
modest confession of enthusiasm, "but one can't help thinking, What a
good father! what a good child!"

Mrs. Gallilee had another appropriate remark ready on her lips, when
the unlucky dog interrupted her once more. He made a sudden rush into
the conservatory, barking with all his might. A crashing noise followed
the dog's outbreak, which sounded like the fall of a flower-pot.

Ovid hurried into the conservatory--with the dog ahead of him, tearing
down the steps which led into the back garden.

The pot lay broken on the tiled floor. Struck by the beauty of the
flower that grew in it, he stooped to set it up again. If, instead of
doing this, he had advanced at once to the second door, he would have
seen a lady hastening into the house; and, though her back view only
was presented, he could hardly have failed to recognize Miss Minerva.
As it was, when he reached the door, the garden was empty.

He looked up at the house, and saw Carmina at the open window of her
bedroom.

The sad expression on that sweet young face grieved him. Was she
thinking of her happy past life? or of the doubtful future, among
strangers in a strange country? She noticed Ovid--and her eyes