Miss Woods and I will excuse you." They had reached the end of the rose-alley, where a summer-house that was in itself a rose-bower partly disclosed itself.

The other gentlemen had lagged behind.

"I will amuse MYSELF, and console your other guardian, dear," said the vivacious Milly, with a rapid exchange of glances with Yerba, "until this horrid business is over.

Besides," she added with cheerful vagueness, "after so long a separation you must have a great deal to say to each other." Paul smiled as she rustled away, and Yerba, entering the summer-house, sat down and opened the letter.

The young man remained leaning against the rustic archway, occasionally glancing at her and at the moving figures in the gardens.