Only I will not quarrel with Cecil, because he is blinded.
Little Cecil, who used to bathe with me, and ride pickaback round the garden! No; he shall have fair play.

By Jove, he shall have fair play, if I die for it." And he had some little comfort in the evening.

When they had all risen to go to bed, and were standing about in confusion lighting candles, he suddenly found Alice by his side, who said in a sweet, low, musical tone,-- "Can you forgive me ?" "What have I to forgive, my dear young lady ?" he said softly.

"I was thinking of asking your forgiveness for some unknown fault." "I have behaved so ill to you to-day," she said, "the first of my new friends! I was angry at your going out after our poor emus, and I was cross to you when you came home.

Do let us be friends again." There was a chance for a reconciliation! But here was Cecil Mayford thrusting between them with a lit candle just at the wrong moment; and she gave him such a sweet smile, and such kind thanks, that Sam felt nearly as miserable as ever.
And next morning everything went wrong again.