Page 91 (1/2)

As he went up slowly to The Cottage, every man, woman, and child he met

touched his hat or curtsied and smiled a welcome to him, and Dick's

"Hallo, Mr Vernon! then it is you, and Nell wasn't spoofing us How are

you? Coht to his heart

He went in with his hand on the boy's shoulder, and was received by Mrs

Lorton with apleasure, which,

however, no longer roused his irritation and impatience

"I am quite sure you will not be comfortable at the Brownies', Mr

Vernon," she said; "and I need not say that we shall be glad if you are

not Your room awaits you whenever you feel inclined to return to

it--Richard, tell Eleanor that we are ready for the tea And how did

you leave London, Mr Vernon? I am aware that it is not the season; but

there are always so in town," et cetera

Drake answered with as fair an ie;

then Nell caer

any sign of a blush on the girl's face, but the gray eyes were still

bright, and a smile--such a tender, joyous, sunny smile--lurked in