CHAPTER XVII.
"ADIEU--AU REVOIR" If there is power in me to help, It goeth forth beyond the present will, Clothing itself in very common deeds Of any humble day's necessity.
-- MACDONALD.
The pleasantest part of the whole evening to Malcolm was the hour spent on the terrace when the last guests were gone.

The Brents had undertaken to drive Mr.Carlyon to the White Cottage, much to the chagrin of the Ross girls, whose homeward route took them through Rotherwood, and who also had a seat to spare.

Malcolm had a dim suspicion that Elizabeth had connived at this arrangement.
"You had better go with the Brents if they ask you," she had said earlier in the evening, but he had not heard Mr.Carlyon's reply.
"Well, what do you think of little Tina ?" asked Elizabeth.

They were standing by the drawing-room window; Malcolm could see the mischievous look in her eyes, and refused to be drawn.
"Most people would admire her," he returned coolly.
"But unfortunately you are the exception--is that what you mean, Mr.
Herrick?
What a shame not to admire our pretty little blue-eyed kitten!" "Kittens can scratch," he returned quietly; and then Elizabeth looked more amused than ever.
"What, has Tina shown her claws to you?
I thought she always wore her velvet gloves for strangers.

I fancied I was doing you a good turn to introduce you to the prettiest girl in Rotherwood.