ward, the daughter of his friend. A reassuring smile and
monosyllable had scarcely time to pass between him and the governess
before a flood of tidings was poured on him by the four elder boys,
while their mother was obliged to be mannerly, and to pace leisurely
along with the elder guest, and poor Mr. Touchett waited a little
aloof, hammering his own boot with his mallet, as if he found the
enchanted ground failing him. But the boys had no notion of losing
their game, and vociferated an inquiry whether the Colonel knew
croquet. Yes, he had several times played with his cousins in
Scotland. "Then," insisted Conrade, "he must take mamma's place,
whilst she was being devoured, and how surprised she would be at
being so helped on!"

"Not now, not to-day," he answered. "I may go to your sister, Ailie?
Yes, boys, you must close up your ranks without me."

"Then please," entreated Hubert, "take him away," pointing to the
engrosser of their mother.

"Do you find elder brothers so easily disposed of, Hubert?" said the
Colonel. "Do you take Conrade away when you please?"

"I should punch him," returned Francis.

"He knows better," quoth Conrade in the same breath, both with
infinite contempt for Hubert.

"And I know better," returned Colonel Keith; "never mind, boys, I'll
come back in--in reasonable time to carry him off," and he waved a
gay farewell.