And Margery is thinking of going back to them." John suddenly stopped stroking her, and sat quite still.

I felt him looking at me earnestly, and at last I had to look up, which I did smiling, and saying, "I did not know Mopsie cared so much about me." Then John kissed the little girl, and said, "Go down-stairs to Jane, dear.

I have something particular to say to Margery." I was completely taken by surprise.

He closed the door upon Mopsie, and came back and reseated himself at the fire.

He sat on one side of the fireplace, and I at the other, and the flames danced between us.