some instances with by no means the same zest and appetite as before.

No; as I said, a chord had been broken, and, although replaced, there was an uncertainty in the partially restored harmony, a flatness in the tones very unlike the previous merry-hearted ring which had seemed a part of the sunshine and brightness above and around, and which had so delightfully seasoned, as it were, every dish we partook of.

Charles saw and keenly regretted this-saw how much less well adapted to the occasion was the gravity now prevailing than the jokes and jollity which in his pride he had chosen to view with unsympathizing contempt, and which the little Cherrups had so skilfully kept flowing. Charles had instantly repented of, and as far as he was able made the amende honorable for, his ill-humour; but the flame had been dulled, and this he was powerless, in his then mood, to re-brighten; and though in consequence of his humble apology all forgave the offence, as did Mr. Cherrup, nevertheless an irrepressible stiffness of manner towards him chilled the general atmosphere of sociability.

It surprised me that he watched my conduct with considerably more earnestness than that of any other girl, or indeed of any one present. To judge by his glances and absorbed expression, I alone occupied his thoughts and excited his regrets for what had occurred; and the more persistently I avoided his penitent eyes, and rejected his attentions, the more perturbed he became.

"Mr. Cherrup, you must think me the most contemptibly nervous fool you ever met,” he said, presently, with increased suavity of tone and look, "but the truth is, your leap was effected so rapidly, and so skilfully, it left me far behind in doubt as to what species of-of creature" (Charles was on the eve of saying "animal") "had passed over my head. I assure you I am quite as disgusted and angry with myself—perhaps more so than any of the present company can be with me; rightly disgusted at that want of courtesy, at that forgetfulness of the consideration due from all here to each other, which my absurd behaviour seemed to imply."

"Don't mention it again, my dear Mr. Beechley, pray don't!" replied the good

tempered little man, with vexed warmth. "Believe me, that, so far from retaining one offended or angry thought myself, I should be delighted in proof of the sincerity of my friendly feelings to take another flying leap over your head on the next favourable opportunity, if-he-m-if you had no objection."

A general burst of laughter followed this proposal, that did more towards restoring the true tone of harmony than perhaps anything else could have effected.

"Twenty more, if you like," answered Charles, smiling grimly, and evidently desirous at any cost to pride and dignity to remove the depressing effects which his violence had left on the spirits of the party. It was a clever diversion on the part of little Cherrup. "May I jump over his head too, papa?" suggested the boy Cherrup, excited by his pater's vivacious proposition.

"Good gracious, no, Tootee! How can you think of such a thing!" exclaimed the mamma. "We shall have you splashing down on the dishes and plates, and breaking your precious neck or legs!"

"If you tumble into my plate, I will eat

you up bodily mind that!" exclaimed Monica, with an ominous shake of her head, and threateningly holding up her knife and fork.

Charles again smiled grimly as he contemplated the small creature whose aspirations were so disproportioned to his size.

"I conclude your birthplace was India, little gentleman?" he questioned, patronizingly, "the name of 'Tootee' is of Eastern origin-bestowed by the native servants on the youngest son of their employer, is it not?" turning to Mr. Cherrup.

"Yes, you are quite right," replied the father. "I hold a civil appointment in India, to which I must return, I regret to say, in seven months' time: my boy was born in Madras."

CHAPTER XV.

THE PICNIC CONTINUED.

As the meal approached its close some of the party vacated their places for others, or strolled about. Charles looked restless, and anxious to escape from the company of Dora Bell, who, poor girl, was showing in every little way modesty permitted how even more than agreeable to her were his society and attentions, notwithstanding that the latter were of the most commonplace character. But Dora, after the manner of the majority of young ladies of his acquaintance, was wont to excuse his shortcomings in this respect with the plea that he was a privileged man, and which I have since found is an apology frequently offered by the in some instances wonderfully enduring world for certain persons of either sex remarkable only for an habitually crabbed temper and