"Dear Peggy!" said Mr. Woods, in his most conciliatory tone.

Someone rearranged her hair complacently.

But there was no answer, save the irresponsible chattering of the

birds, and with a sigh Billy turned upon his heel.

Then, by the oddest chance in the world, Margaret coughed.

I dare say it was damp in the summer-house; or perhaps it was caused

by some passing bronchial irritation; or perhaps, incredible as it may

seem, she coughed to show him where she was. But I scarcely think so,

because Margaret insisted afterward--very positively, too--that she

didn't cough at all.