"I shall do my best. And that reminds me that I should report myself toher, instead of enjoying myself here. When one has been ill and shut upa long time, the country is so lovely one is apt to forget duty forpleasure. Please remind me if I am negligent, Mr. Coventry."

"That name belongs to Gerald. I'm only Mr. Ned here," he exclaimed as theywalked toward the house, while Hector followed to the wall and sent asonorous farewell after them.

Bella came running to meet them, and greeted Miss Muir as if she hadmade up her mind to like her heartily. "What a lovely bouquet you havegot! I never can arrange flowers prettily, which vexes me, for Mamma isso fond of them and cannot go out herself. You have charming taste," shesaid, examining the graceful posy which Miss Muir had much improved byadding feathery grasses, delicate ferns, and fragrant wild flowers toSir Harold's exotics.

Putting them into Bella's hand, she exclaimed, in a winning way, "Take themto your mother, then, and ask her if I may have the pleasure of makingher a daily nosegay; for I should find real delight in doing it, if itwould please her."

"How kind you are! 0f course it would please her. I'll take them to herwhile the dew is still on them." And away flew Bella, eager to give boththe flowers and the beautiful message to the poor invalid.