Page:The Van Roon (IA thevanroon00snaiiala).pdf/315



"So here you are!"

But the light note of Miss Babraham's greeting changed to a quick concern as a feminine eye saw at a glance that June was looking "done."

"Now don't get up, please. I am going to be quite angry with myself if your walk has made you over-*tired."

June, a new shyness upon her, which the presence of Sir Arthur made much worse, found it very difficult to speak.

"I hope you are cultivating a taste for chicken and new laid eggs," said the kindly gentleman. "And for a glass of wine to your meals—which I always say is what has made Old England the country she is." Finding his jolly laugh was less effective than usual, he pointed to the Hoodoo in the tactful hope of putting an embarrassed girl at her ease. "There's an old friend I'm sure you recognize." June's distress, however, grew rapidly worse and Sir Arthur made a fresh cast. "I'm not sure all the same," he said to William in a laughing aside, "that the old fellow can be allowed to stay here. Tell me, what is your candid opinion?"

"We've been wondering, sir, if he wouldn't look better in the garden."

Miss Babraham caught gaily at the suggestion. "The very place for the jar of Knossos. And perhaps Miss June and Mr. William will plant a myrtle in it."