patent-leather shoe, with a sheen of slender silken ankle above. 

 I approached softly, with the soul of me in my eyes, so to speak, yet, despite my caution, she seemed to become aware of my presence in some way—the foot faltered in its swing and vanished as the leaves were parted and Lisbeth looked down at me. 

 "Oh, it's you?" she said, and I fancied she seemed quite pleased. "You'll find a step-ladder somewhere about—it can't be very far." 

 "Thanks," I answered, "but I don't want one." 

 "No; but I do; I want to get down. That little wretched Imp hid the ladder, and I've been here all the afternoon," she wailed. 

 "But then you refused to be an elephant, you know," I reminded her. 

 "He shall go to bed for it—directly after tea!" she said. 

 "Lisbeth," I returned, "I firmly believe your nature to be altogether too sweet and forgiving—" 

 "I want to come down!" 

 "Certainly," I said; "put your left foot in my right hand, take firm hold of the branch above and let yourself sink gently into my arms." 

 "Oh!" she exclaimed suddenly, "here's Mr. Selwyn coming," and following her glance, I saw a distant Panama approaching. 

 "Lisbeth," said I, "are you anxious to see him?" 

 "In this ridiculous situation—of course not!" 

 "Very well then, hide—just sit there and leave matters to me and—" 

 "Hush," she whispered, and at that moment Selwyn emerged into full view. Catching sight of me he stopped in evident surprise. 

 "I was told I should find Miss Elizabeth here," he said stiffly. 

 "It would almost appear that you had been misinformed," I answered. For a moment he seemed undecided what to do. Would he go away? I wondered. Evidently not, for after glancing about him he sat himself down upon a rustic seat near-by with a certain resolute air that I did not like. I must get rid of him at all hazards. 

 "Sir," said I, "can I trespass 

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