May one inquire what you are doing in this locality, young man ?" "I'm taking a bit of a holiday--well, scarcely a holiday; for I'm thinking out a new novel," said Reggie, modestly, and with a little blush.
"Dear me, you don't say so," said the old lady, opening her eyes wide.
"Wonder how you do it! Come in search of character, I suppose?
Well, here's your heroine, anyway." "Yes, she is," said the boy, now blushing outright and nodding at Celia.
"She's been my heroine ever since I first saw her--in the British Museum Reading Room, you know." "That's a candid avowal," observed her ladyship, dryly, as Celia laughed.
They chatted in this pleasant fashion, and, in due course, reached the Grange.

It was quite a merry little lunch, through which Reggie talked incessantly, to the increased amusement of his good-natured hostess, and confirming her good opinion of him.
"Now, you two children can go and sit on the terrace while I have my nap.

Wiggins, give Mr.Rex a cigar." The two went out on the terrace; and scarcely waiting for him to light a cigar, Celia demanded "his story." "Oh, well; I've had a stroke of luck," he said, with a long breath.

"And it's all owing to you." "To me!" "Yes.

You remember that 'short' I sent you?
But, of course, you don't." "Oh, yes, I do," Celia assured him.