me. If there are any others that you would turn against

'And how have you been spending the summer?'

'I have been at Ventnor, getting through the Crusaders, and keeping house with Violet and her child, who both wanted sea air.'

'Well, that beats all! Violet! Why, Vi'let was what they called the old black cart-horse! I hope the child is Cowslip or Daisy!'

'John! You might as well be called Man! It is no name at all. That Arthur should have gone and married a wife called Violet!!'

Meanwhile Violet was wondering over the honour she had received, caressing the gift, and thinking of the hopes that had faded over it till patience had done her perfect work. She did not remember her other present till she heard sounds betokening the return of the riders. She placed it on her head, and behold! the cheeks had no more than their own roseate tinting, and she was beginning to hope Arthur would be pleased, when she became aware of certain dark eyes and a handsome face set in jet-black hair, presenting itself over her shoulder in the long glass.

'You little piece of vanity! studying yourself in the glass, so that you never heard me come in? Well, you have done it to some purpose. Where did you get that thing?'

'John brought it from Madeira.'

'I did not think he had so much taste. Where have you bottled it up all this time!'