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"The play isto

his father's tenant He had left The Top before the two visitors

arrived, and as Dr Lavendar had foreseen, had gone straight to the

Stuffed Ani sleepily in her ar St John, half sat, half knelt, on

the step at her feet The day had been hot, and evening had brought no

coolness; under the sentinel locusts on either side of the porch steps

the night was velvet black; but out over the garden there were stars

A faint stirring of the air tilted the open bowls of the evening-

pri a heavy sweetness into the shadows The house

behind them was dark, for it was too hot for lamps It was very still

and peaceful and coht Young Sam, so sensitive to moods, had fallen at once into the

peace and was content to sit silently at Helena's feet Then David

broke in upon the tranquillity by reo to bed

"I heard the clock strike," he said sadly

"I think you are a very good little boy," Helena declared with

admiration

"Dr Lavendar said I must," David explained crossly "You're

misbehavious if you don't do what Dr Lavendar says Mrs Richie, is