May I come in ?' Nelly Sarratt, who was standing beside the table in the sitting-room, packing a small luncheon-basket with sandwiches and cake, looked up in astonishment.

Then she went to the door which was slightly ajar, and opened it.
She beheld a very tall man standing smiling on the threshold.
'I hope I'm not disturbing you, Mrs.Sarratt--but I was on my way for a day's sketching, and as my car passed your house, I thought I would like to bring you, myself, the permission which I spoke of on Saturday.

I wrote yesterday, my friend was away from home but I got a telegram this morning.' The visitor held out a telegram, which Nelly took in some bewilderment.
It fluttered her to be so much thought for by a stranger--and a stranger moreover who seemed but to wave his wand and things were done.

But she thanked him heartily.
'Won't you come in, Sir William ?' she asked him, shyly.

'My husband will be here directly.' It pleased him that she had found out who he was.