MISS BADSWORTH, M.F.H. 141 



Jack did not, he appreciated to the full the manner in which 

 Lavvy was throwing herself into the work which had fallen 

 to her lot. 



Of course he ought to have resented what might have 

 been supposed to be an unwomanlike demonstration, but do 

 what he would he couldn't consider it unwomanlike ; there 

 was something in Lavvy which was Lavvy, that is how he 

 put it ; in other words, by her simplicity she disarmed the 

 criticism which she raised. So he quietly walked across the 

 room and stretched out his hand. 



The impulsive action affected Lavvy much as the reaching 

 down of a strong hand would affect an exhausted swimmer : 

 she held out her own and with a smile accepted the silent 

 tribute of appreciation. 



" Come and explain the riddle to Miss Badsworth," he 

 said. 



And Lavvy went. " I've got to be your huntsman, too, 

 auntie. It really has to be done, and you cannot hate it 

 more than I do." 



It was the short curly hair that resented the parting so 

 energetically that affected Miss Badsworth. She was a 

 thorough woman herself at heart, and consequently could 

 understand many things which did not appear on the sur- 

 face. As a leader, with respect to her own views, it was a 

 novelty to be led. For some little time she listened to 

 Lavvy's apologia ; then, ye gods of Olympus ! she found 

 herself stooping to consider such mundane things as the 

 future of Jack Morgan and her niece. But withal she was 

 impressed, impressed that is by what Lavvy had called 

 method ; and so, by-and-by, she cast regrets and reminis- 

 cences to the winds. 



" My dear child," she said, "your foresight and energy do 

 you infinite credit ; don't be afraid, I will play my part." 



They embraced, and Jack wondered where he came in. 

 The part of umpire has its drawbacks when one is desirous 

 of playing in the game. 



