always her favourite. Hamish; is there no danger of either?"

"There is not. I am too cautious for the one to happen, and, I believe,
too hardy for the other. Judy is a simpleton," he laughed; "she has her
water-butt, and what more can she desire?"

"Hamish, why do you sit up? Have you not time for your work in the
day?"

"No. Or else I should do it in the day. I do not sit up enough to hurt
me. I have, on an average, three hours' night-work, five days in the
week; and if that can damage a strong fellow like me, call me a puny
changeling."

"You sit up much longer than that?"

"Not often. These light days, I sometimes do not sit up half so long; I
get up in the morning, instead. Constance, you look grave enough for a
judge!"

"And you, laughing enough to provoke me. Suppose I tell papa of this
habit of yours, and get him to forbid it?"

"Then, my dear, you would work irreparable mischief," he replied,
becoming grave in his turn. "Were I to be prevented from doing as I
please in my chamber in this house, I must find a room elsewhere, in
which I should be my own master."

"Hamish!"