He was helping me to plant the flower-roots, and giving me a lecture on the sparing use of the wheelbarrow, when my father joined us, and I heard him say to Mr.Andrewes, "I should like a word with you, when you are at liberty." I do not know what made me think that they were talking about me.

I did, however, and watched them anxiously, as they passed up and down the drive in close consultation.

At last I heard Mr.Andrewes say-- "The afternoon would suit me best; say an hour after luncheon." This remark closed the conversation, and they came back to me.

But I had overheard another sentence from Mr.Andrewes' lips, which filled me with disquiet, "I know of one that will just suit you; a capital little fellow." So the tutor was actually decided upon.

"'A capital little fellow.' That means a nasty fussy little man!" I cried to myself.