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 clear, shrewd and smiling. In fact they appeared to smile quite considerably at the slow emergence from the back premises of S. Gedge Antiques.

In the girl's hand was a pilgrim basket, which she put carefully on a gate-legged table, marked "£4.19.6, a great bargain" and then very fearlessly embraced its owner.

"How are you, niece?" gasped the old man who felt that an affront had been offered to the dignity of the human male.

"Thank you, Uncle Si, I'm first rate," said the girl trying for the sake of good manners not to smile too broadly.

"Had a comfortable journey?"

"Oh, yes, thank you."

"Didn't expect you so soon. However, your box has come. By the way, what's your name? I've forgotten it."

"June."

"June, eh? One of these new fangled affairs," S. Gedge spoke aggrievedly. "Why not call yourself December and have done with it?"

"I will if you like," said June obligingly. "But it seems rather long. Do you care for De, Cem, or Ber for short?"

"It don't matter. What's in a name? I only thought it sounded a bit sloppy and new fangled."

The eyes of June continued to regard S. Gedge Antiques with a demure smile. He did not see the smile. He only saw her and she was a matter for grave reflection.