was tiresome, and insisted on defying the world generally with shrill barkings from the top of the small mound, conscious perhaps that his helpless predecessor slept below.

Then their walk brought them to the band of trees that separated the links from the house, from which Lady Ashbridge retreated, fearful, as she vaguely phrased it, "of being seen," and by whom there was no need for her to explain.

Then across the field came a group of children scampering home from school.

They ceased their shouting and their games as the others came near, and demurely curtsied and took off their caps to Lady Ashbridge.
"Nice, well-behaved children," said she.

"A merry Christmas to you all.
I hope you are all good children to your mothers, as my son is to me." She pressed his arm, nodded and smiled at the children, and walked on with him.