CHAPTER III.
Mr.Carlyon--for such was Cheiron's real name--knocked the ashes from his long pipe next day at eleven o'clock in the morning, after his late breakfast and began to arrange his books.

His mind was away in a land of classical lore; he had almost forgotten the sprite who had invaded his solitude the previous afternoon, until he heard a tap at the window, and saw her standing there--great, intelligent eyes aflame and rosy lips apart.
"May I come in, please ?" her voice said.

"I am afraid I am a little early, but I had something so very interesting to tell you, I had to come." He opened wide the window and let in the May sunshine.
"The first of May and a May Queen," he told her presently, when they were seated in their two chairs.

"And now begin this interesting news." "Aunt Ginevra has promised to write to my step-father at once, and suggest that no more governesses are sent to me.

Won't it be perfectly splendid if he agrees!" "I really don't know," said Cheiron.
Halcyone's face fell.
"You promised to teach me Greek," she said simply, "and I know from my 'Heroes' that is all that I need necessarily learn from anyone to acquire the other things myself." This seemed to Mr.Carlyon a very conclusive answer--his bent of mind found it logical.
"Very well," he said.