In the middle of it Sir Tancred came in, and it was significant that he saw Tinker's occupation without a smile, made no joke upon it, but seemed to take it as the most natural thing in the world that his son should be discharging a function of the lady's maid.

He greeted the children gravely, sat down, and watched the brushing with a respectful attention.

Now and again he asked Elsie a question, which seemed too idle to be impertinent, but her answers told him all he wished to know; and presently he felt, with Tinker, that her uncle was a gentleman in great need of kicking.
[Illustration: It was his first essay as coiffeur.] At last Tinker had finished; Elsie rose with a luxurious sigh, and he looked at his work with fond pride.

It was very beautiful, fine hair; and its sheen of changing light well repaid him for his trouble.

Sir Tancred proposed that they should stroll down to the Casino, and find her uncle.