[ABOUT PEGGY SAVILLE.]

By JESSIE MANSERGH (Mrs. G. de Horne Vaizey), Author of "Sisters Three," etc.

AN ATTITUDE CALCULATED TO SHOW OFF ALL THE SPLENDOUR OF HER ATTIRE." ([See page 183.])

All rights reserved.]

CHAPTER XII.

As Peggy sat writing in the study one afternoon, a shaggy head came peering round the door, and Robert's voice said eagerly:

"Mariquita! A word in your ear! Could you come out and take a turn round the garden for half an hour before tea, or are you too busy?"

"Not at all. I am entirely at your disposal," said Peggy elegantly, and the young people made their way to the cloak-room, swung on coats and sailor-hats, and sallied out into the fresh autumn air.

"Mariquita," said Robert; then, using once more the name by which he chose to address Peggy in their confidential confabs, "Mariquita, I am in difficulties. There is a microscope advertised in Science this week that is the very thing I have been pining for for the last six years. I must get it, or die, but the question is—how? You see before you a penniless man." He looked at Peggy as he spoke, and met her small, demure smile.