Mauleverer was much impressed. Cæsar was not so terrifying after all, and well-informed men predicted that he might end up Viceroy of India. It was exciting to think of little Rosetta as 'Her Excellency.' At the same time, he was sensible of an odd repulsion to the conqueror, a feeling he could not analyse or defend. There was nothing against Cæsar. He was said to be hard in his dealing with the natives, an inexorable judge, but still!

'Haven't you given her a hint?'

'She's elusive; hints are not much in my line. I've generally asked bluntly for what I wanted.'

And you have always got it?'

'Not always.'

'Ask her, Brough.'

'I was thinking that you might be kind enough to-to sound her first.'

6

'Oh, Lord!' Then he brightened. My wife might do that.'

'I shall be under the greatest obligations to both of you.' They finished their cigars without further reference to Rosetta, and Sir Rodney took his leave, refusing curtly to join the ladies. Mauleverer found Rosetta and Syringa in the drawing-room.

Where is Cæsar?' asked Syringa.

Mauleverer laughed and pinched her cheek, but he looked at

Rosetta.

'I expect,' he said slily, that there are moments when conquerors can't bear the sight of women.'

Father, what do you mean?'

Being conquerors, they dread being conquered. Where is your mother?'

'In her own room.'

Mauleverer lost no time in telling Mary what had passed between Sir Rodney and himself. Mary listened frowning. 'I would rather have nothing to do with it.'

'So would I, for that matter, but it would be a great match." 'Oh, yes; graced by royalty and sanctified by an archbishop, but I don't like him. He's so grim.'

'He doesn't look grim when he's talking to and of Rosetta.

Now, look here, Mary, I funk tackling her. You remember that chestnut which carried me so well last season. He's yours if you'll sound the child.'

I'll do it,' said Mary. She added hopefully: I'm sure she can't care for him. He has challenged her interest, that's all, and his attentions have flattered her.'

That night there was a ball at the Duchess of Worcester's; and next morning at ten Mary entered Rose's bedroom. The young lady was still in bed, but wide awake and blissfully conscious of perfect health and an increasing capacity for enjoyment. She was thinking humorously of the triumphs of the previous evening, for she had attracted the attention of a Prince of the Blood, an incident which had made a profound impression upon certain dowagers who, hitherto, had ignored her existence. Also she was telling herself that this was the time of her life, and that she must make the most of it before returning to Charminster. She had made up her mind to become the wife of a struggling man, and it behoved her to fit herself for the future. After the excitements of this wonderful season, she would learn to cook properly and make her own frocks. The secrets of economical house-management ought to be mastered. Also it would be her duty and her pleasure to devote herself cheerfully to the kind sisters whose self-sacrifice and self-denial exacted acknowledgment.

Mary kissed her and sat down by the pretty bed, so virginal with its white muslin hangings and blue ribands.

'Did you enjoy yourself last night?'

Immensely,' said Rosetta. Oh, how good you have been to me, how kind!'

'It's not very difficult to be kind to you. I noticed that our Under Secretary is recovering from his attack. He didn't come near you at the Duchess's.'

Rosetta laughed gaily.

Oh, yes, he did. He proposed again last night and I had to be rather short with him.

chronic. So stupid of him!'

His proposals have become

'My dear, he is so exactly right. He adores you, and he will be a Cabinet Minister some day. I can't imagine why he has not captured you. Have you seen anybody else you like better?'

'I like Mauleverer much better.'

"You goose! you know what I mean.' She went on seriously: 'I am aware that a very great man indeed has been paying you attention.'

Who? '

My dear, don't pretend with me.'

Honestly, Mary, I don't know what you mean?

'I mean Sir Rodney Brough.'

Rosetta's face of astonishment was quite sufficient. Mary sighed with relief as Rosetta said excitedly, That patriarch!' 'He is not more than forty-five, and stronger than men half his years.'

Good gracious!

'But, my dear child, why have you encouraged him to talk to you?'

Rosetta pouted.

'I wanted to know things, Mary. I was fascinated by his adventures. He began with nothing, except his good brains and strong body. He has overcome all sorts of difficulties. I loved hearing him talk about himself. But I swear to you I never suspected that he could be interested in me. I don't believe he is, in the way you mean.'

'You can take my word for that.'

'Oh, dear! What shall I do?

'Don't worry! A hint from me will suffice.'

'As if I should dream of marrying a man old enough to be my father.'

'Such marriages do take place, Rosetta, and some of them turn out happily. I suppose you have dreamed of marrying

somebody some day?

Rosetta blushed as she murmured uneasily: 'I suppose every girl does dream of somebody occasionally.'

Mary hesitated before she continued, sensible that Rosetta seemed to be amazingly innocent and ignorant. Was it possible that she had not apprehended the meaning of this London season?'

'You know, dear, that we shall not be in London next year. We are going round the world and taking Syringa. This is your great chance of making a suitable marriage. I hate to speak of it, and I loathe match-making, but-well-there it is! With a gesture, Mary finished her sentence.

'Do you mean,' said Rosetta after a pause, that my sisters counted on that? Did they sell the Cooper miniature for that?' 'I suppose I must reply-yes.'

How disappointed they will be.'

'Don't misunderstand me. Your sisters are good women. They would not wish you to marry to please them, but whatever fools may say to the contrary, it is the destiny of girls like you to marry, and your sisters felt that no sacrifice on their part would be too great if-if you made the right sort of marriage.'

'I see.'

'Nine times out of ten a girl does fall in love with the first really nice young man who falls in love with her. That is why Mauleverer and I made almost certain that you would take our Under Secretary. With all my heart I wish he had been attracted by Syringa.'

Rosetta was aware of hot, betraying blushes, but she dared not turn her head from the kind, keen eyes that looked so steadily into hers.

'I am forced to the conclusion,' said Mary slowly, that you have found already somebody else. And as I am your friend, I advise you to make a clean breast of it. I promise to help you if I can.'

Rosetta raised herself up in bed. Then she grasped Mary's hand and held it tight as she said firmly and clearly: Mary, I love Septimus Lovibond with all my heart and soul and strength.'

(To be continued.)

AT THE SIGN OF THE
PLOUGH.

WITH this number of the Magazine
is given the ninth of a series of
Examination Papers' on the works of
famous authors, being Canon Beeching's
questions on Dr. Johnson. For the
best set of answers to this Paper the
Editor offers a prize of Two Guineas.

The name of the Prizewinner will be announced in the October number of the Magazine, together with the correct answers to the questions.

PAPER VIII.

On the Works of Lord Tennyson.

By A. D. GODLEY.

1. Give the name of the poet who had never written poetry. Answer: Alfred Tennyson, the poet's grandson. (To Alfred Tennyson.')

2. Quote words illustrating Tennyson's knowledge of the Welsh language. Answer: 'Bara' and 'Dim Saesneg.' ('Sir John Oldcastle.')

3. Who was the lady of whom it has been said that she was difficult to please? Answer: Iphigenia. (Quarterly Review,' vol. xlix. p. 94.)

4. What is the function of the true Conservative? Answer: To lop the moulder'd branch away. (Hands all Round.')

5. What initial line of an ode of Horace is quoted by Tennyson? Answer: 'Uxor pauperis Ibyci.' ('Becket,' Act V. sc. 2.)

6. Who brought a present for the children, and what was it? Answer : Enoch Arden. A gilded dragon. ('Enoch Arden.')

7. Where did Zerubbabel Saunders live? Answer: In Cornhill. ('Queen Mary,' Act III. sc. 1.)

8. At what hour did Queen Elizabeth go out hunting? Answer: At five. ('The Talking Oak.')

9. What information is to be conveyed to the poet after his decease? Answer: If the woodbines blow. (My life is full of weary days.')

10. To whom is it unnecessary to show courtesy! Answer: The sheriff. ('Edwin Morris.')

11. Who had no tails? Answer: The girls. (The Village Wife.')

('The

12. Quote words which may have been the genesis of a familiar phrase in a Gilbertian opera. Answer: My vapid vegetable loves.' Talking Oak'; cp. A vegetable passion,' in 'Patience.')