heads of the Wendover race made a point of being born; they made her peep
shuddering into the death-chamber where the family were laid in their
last slumber. The time thus pleasantly occupied slipped away unawares;
and the chapel clock was striking one as they all went trooping down the
broad oak staircase for about the fifteenth time.

A gentleman was entering the hall as they came down. They could only see
the top of his hat.

'It's father,' cried Eva.

'You little idiot; did you ever see my father in a stove-pipe hat on a
week-day?' cried Reg, with infinite scorn.

'Then it's Brian.'

'Brian is in Norway.'

The gentleman looked up and greeted them all with a comprehensive smile.
It was Dr. Rylance.

'So glad I have found you, young people,' he said blandly.

'Papa,' exclaimed Urania, in a tone which did not express unmitigated
pleasure, 'this is a surprise. You told me you would not be down till
late in the evening.'

'Yes, my dear: but the fine morning tempted me. I found my engagements
would stand over till Monday or Tuesday, so I put myself into the eight
o'clock train, and arrived at The Cottage just an hour after you and your