What ducks they were, some of them--the little, grimy, round-faced things--rolling on the grass, or toddling after their sisters and brothers.

They turned large, inquisitive eyes upon her, which seemed to tease her heart-strings.
And suddenly,--it was in Kensington Gardens that out of the heart of a long and vague reverie there came a flash--an illumination--which wholly changed the life and future of Doris Meadows.

After the thought in which it took shape had seized upon her, she sat for some time motionless; then rising to her feet, tottering a little, like one in bewilderment, she turned northwards, and made her way hurriedly towards Lancaster Gate.

In a house there, lived a lady, a widowed lady, who was Doris's godmother, and to whom Doris--who had lost her own mother in her childhood--had turned for counsel before now.

How long it was since she had seen "Cousin Julia"!--nearly two months.