Confound him! By the way though, it's done me good in one sense, for I find I don't detest him quite so hideously as I did.

The man has his points.
"And now Avery,--dear Avery, will you forgive me for writing all this?
I know you won't write to me, but I send my address in case! And I shall watch every mail day after day, night after night, for the letter that will never come.
"Pathetic picture, isn't it?
Good-bye! "PIERS.
"My love to the Queen of all good fairies, and tell Pixie that I hope the gloves fitted." Avery's lips parted in a smile; a soft flush overspread her face.

That costly gift from the children--she had guessed from the beginning whence it came.
And then slowly, even with reverence, she folded the letter up, and rose.
Her smile became a little tremulous.

It had been a day of many troubles, and she was very tired.

The boy's adoration was strangely sweet to her wearied senses.