it was. And, just now, somehow, the notion of two grown people reading

Ouida did not strike her as being especially ridiculous.

"Was she very beautiful?" she asked, softly.

"My dear," said her father, "you are the picture of her."

"You dangerous old man!" said she, laughing and rubbing her cheek

against his in a manner that must have been highly agreeable. "Dear,

do you know that is the nicest little compliment I've had for a long

time?"

Thereupon the Colonel chuckled. "Pay me for it, then," said he, "by

driving the dog-cart over to meet Billy's train to-day. Eh?"