"You know you have quite a lot to do, and when your mother has gone we'll spend an hour or two here at work." "I hear that Walter Murie is at home again at Connachan.

Hill told me this morning," remarked her father.
"So I heard also," answered the girl.
"And yet you are not going to the ball, Gabrielle, eh ?" laughed the old man mischievously.
"Now come, dad," the girl exclaimed, colouring slightly, "you're really too bad! I thought you had promised me not to mention him again." "So I did, dear; I--I quite forgot," replied Sir Henry apologetically.
"Forgive me.

You are now your own mistress.

If you prefer to stay away from Connachan, then do so by all means.

Only, make a proper excuse to your mother; otherwise she will be annoyed." "I think not, dear," his daughter replied in a meaning tone.