hair—came in and said that two gentlemen wanted to see the master.

"I've shewn them into the Library, Sir," said she.

"I expect it's the subscription to the Vicar's testimonial," said Mother, "or else it's the choir-holiday-fund. Get rid of him quickly, dear. It does break up an evening so, and it's nearly the children's bed-time."

But Father did not seem to be able to get rid of the gentlemen at all quickly.

"I wish we had got a moat and drawbridge," said Roberta; "then when we didn't want people, we could just pull up the drawbridge and no one could get in. I expect Father will have forgotten about when he was a boy if they stay much longer."

Mother tried to make the time pass by telling them a new fairy story about a Princess with green eyes, but it was difficult because they could hear the voices of Father and the gentlemen in the Library, and Father's voice sounded louder and different to the voice he generally used to people who came about testimonials and holiday funds.

Then the Library bell rang, and every one heaved a breath of relief.