The Real Charlotte. 139 



'^Well, of course we must, you fool," returned Garry with 

 Scriptural directness ; " I've told all the men about the 

 place, and Kitty Gascogne's coming to act, and James 

 Canavan's going to put papa to bed early and help us — * 

 Garry's voice sank to the fluent complaining undertone that 

 distinguishes a small boy with a grievance, and Christopher 

 turned to his mother's guest. 



'' I suppose you've acted in charades, Miss Fitzpatrick ? " 



" Is it me act ? Oh goodness, no, Mr, Dysart ! I never 

 did such a thing but once, when I had to read Lady Mac- 

 beth's part at school, and I thought I'd died laughing the 

 whole time." 



Pamela and Lady Dysart exchanged glances as they 

 laughed at this reminiscence. Would Christopher ever talk 

 to a girl with a voice like this ? was the interpretation of 

 Pamela's glance, while Lady Dysart's was a mere note of 

 admiration for the way that the sunlight caught the curls on 

 Francie's forehead as she sat up to speak to Christopher, 

 and for the colour that had risen in her cheeks since his 

 arrival, more especially since his announcement that Captain 

 Cursiter and Mr. Hawkins were coming to dinner. There 

 are few women who can avoid some slight change of manner 

 and even of appearance, when a man is added to the com- 

 pany, and it may at once be said that Francie was far 

 from trying to repress her increased interest on such an 

 occasion. 



"What made you think I could act, Mr. Dysart?" she 

 said, looking at him a little self-consciously ; " do you think 

 I look like an actress ? " 



The question was interrupted by a cry from the chestnut 

 tree, and Miss Hope-Drummond's voice was heard appeal- 

 ing to someone to come and help her out of the ham- 

 mock. 



" She can get out jolly well by herself," remarked Garry, 

 but Christopher got up and lounged across the grass in re- 

 sponse to the summons, and Francie's question remained 

 unanswered. Lady Dysart rose too, and watched her son 

 helping Miss Hope-Drummond on to her feet, and strolling 

 away with her in the direction of the shrubbery. Then she 

 turned to Francie. 



" Now. Miss Fitzpatrick, you shall come and explain that 



