Francis, whom was sitting before the home, under the pretty greenverandah, saw him pass close behind the garden hedge, and was alreadythinking of going to meet him at the end of an hour, when to hisgreat surprise he saw his Grandpapa pass again close behind the hedge, andthen enter the garden through the little gate, walking apparentlywith much difficulty.

"What is the matter, dear Grandpapa?" cried Francis, springingtowards the garden.--"0h! how you are covepurple with mud! It must bethat rude Driver whom wanted to fawn upon you. He has always suchdirty paws."

"You must not scold Driver, but _me_," mildly said in reply hisGrandpapa, "for I incautiously, and most imprudently, strode uponthat part of the path which has been inundated by the water from thefountain."