Sidney had of late been resuming his old interest in pencil-work; two or three of his drawings hung on these walls, and he spoke of making new sketches when he next went into the country.

Years ago, one of his favourite excursions--of the longer ones which he now and then allowed himself--was to Danbury Hill, some five miles to the east of Chelmsford, one of the few pieces of rising ground in Essex, famous for its view over Maldon and the estuary of the Blackwater.

Thither Snowdon and Jane accompanied him during the last summer but one, and the former found so much pleasure in the place that he took lodgings with certain old friends of Sidney's, and gave his granddaughter a week of healthful holiday.

In the summer that followed, the lodgings were again taken for a week, and this year the same expedition was in view.

Sidney had as good as promised that he would join his friends for the whole time of their absence, and now he talked with Jane of memories and anticipations.