"That means bread and cheese at present. Later--Heyday, young lady,
what's the matter?"
The school-room door, close by, had opened with a burst, and Miss Kate
Dancox was flying down the stairs--her usual progress the minute
lessons were over. Harry strolled into the room. The governess was
putting the littered table straight.
"Any admission, ma'am?" cried he quaintly, making for a chair. "I should
like to ask leave to sit down for a bit."
Alice West laughed, and stirred the fire by way of welcome; he was a
very rare visitor to the school-room. The blaze, mingling with the rays
of the setting sun that streamed in at the window, played upon her sweet
face and silky brown hair, lighted up the bright winter dress she wore,
and the bow of pink ribbon that fastened the white lace round her
slender, pretty throat.
"Are you so much in need of a seat?" she laughingly asked.
"Indeed I am," was the semi-grave response. "I have had a shock."
"A very sharp one, sir?"
"Sharp as steel. Really and truly," he went on in a different tone, as
he left the chair and stood up by the table facing her; "I have just
heard news that may affect my whole future life; may change me from a
rich man to a poor one.
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