The Black Moth

"Indeed, sir, we are already acquainted. I am not like to forget myrescuer."

"I am happy to think that I was able to be of some service to you,mademoiselle. Believe me, it was an honour to fight in your cause." Hiseyes were on the fascinating dimple that played about her mouth.

"'Tis very kind of you to say so, sir. I fear we greatly incommodedyou--and--" She made a gesture towards his sling.

"That, mademoiselle, is less than nothing. All the obligation is on myside."

Miss Betty bustled forward.

"Now that will do! I never heard such a foolish set of compliments! Youare looking tired, Mr. Carr; come into the garden and rest."

Salter stepped forward, but Diana stayed him with uplifted finger.

"If Mr. Carr will accept my arm?" she hazarded.

Jack flushed.

"Indeed, no, Miss Beauleigh--I can--"

"Oh, tut-tut!" cried Miss Betty. "Have done dilly-dallying! Take himout, Di!"

Mr. Beauleigh had already disappeared. His world lay in his library, andhe was never far from it for any length of time. Now he had seized themoment when his sister was not looking to withdraw quietly, and, whenshe turned round, she was only in time to see the library door closesoftly.

"Your papa has gone again," she remarked to her niece. "What a tryingman he is, to be sure!"

She followed the pair out on to the lawn, and helped to make Carstaresseat himself in a long chair under a great elm. A cushion was placedunder his wounded shoulder and another at his back.

"And are you sure that you are quite comfortable?" inquired Miss Betty,anxiously bending over him.

Jack laughed up at her.

"Quite sure, thank you, madam. But where will you sit?"

"I shall sit in this chair, and Di will sit on a cushion"--throwing onedown--"at my feet--so."

"I see that you are all ruled with a rod of iron, mademoiselle," hesaid, and watched the dimple tremble into being.

"Indeed, yes, sir. 'Tis very sad."

Miss Betty chuckled, and unrolled a packet of silks which she threw intoher niece's lap.

"Will you have the goodness to sort those for me, love?" she asked,taking out her embroidery.

"Pray allow me to assist!" pleaded John.

Diana rose and planted her cushion down beside his chair. She then kneltdown upon it and emptied the multi-coloured strands on to his knee.

"Very well! You must be very careful to separate the different pinks,though. See, we will have the rose here, the salmon here, the deeperrose here, the pale pink over there, and the reds--there is no moreroom--we will put the reds in this paper."

"Certainly," agreed Carstares. "Are we to leave the other colours untilthe pinks are sorted?"

She nodded and bent her head over the silks.

"Is Sir Miles coming this afternoon, Mr. Carr?"

"Why yes, Miss Betty--now you mention it, I remember that he is. MissBeauleigh, I defy you to put that one on the rose pile; 'tis a shade toodeep."

"I am sure 'tis not! Where i