Nell of Shorne Mills

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? Come in!" went straight to his heart.

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

Lorton with a mixture of stately dignity and simpering pleasure, 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 some good families remaining in town," et cetera.

Drake answered with as fair an imitation of interest as he could manage;

then Nell came in, followed by Molly, with the tea. There was no longer

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

ambush at the corners of her sweet lips. She did not look at him, and

was quite busy with the teacups and saucers; but she listened to every

word he said, as if every word were too precious to miss.

"I was obliged to come down--the horses, you know," he said, as if that

fully explained his return; "and, to tell you the truth, my dear Mrs.

Lorton, I was very glad of the excuse. London is particularly hateful

just now; though, as you say, there are a good many people there still."

"Did you meet my cousin Wolfer?" asked Mrs. Lorton.

Drake expressed his regret at not having done so.

"I think you would like him," she said, with her head on one side, and

with a long sigh. "It is years since I have seen him. When last we

met----"

"'He wore a wreath of roses!'" murmured Dick, under his breath.

--"And no doubt he would find me much changed; one ages in these

out-of-the-way places, where the stir and bustle of the great world

never reaches one."

"Mamma dropping into poetry is too touching!" murmured Dick; then aloud:

"Nell, my child, if you are going to have a fit you had better leave the

room. This is the second time you have shot out your long legs and

kicked me. You had better see Doctor Spence."