Continued Misbehaviour 17

“But no,” he said, remembering who he was,
and pushing the gift from him, “I will not be
bribed. I must tell you—”

“ Now,” said the Egyptian, sadly, “I see you
are angry with me. Is it because I said I lived
in atree? Do forgive me for that dreadful lie.”

She had gone on her knees before he could
stop her, and was gazing imploringly at him, with
her hands clasped.

“You are mocking me again,” said Gavin,
“but I am not angry with you. Only you
must understand —”

She jumped up and put her fingers to her
ears.

“You see I can hear nothing,

“ Listen while I tell you —”

“7 don’t hear a word. Why do you scold me
when I have kept my promise? If I dared to
take my fingers from my ears I would give you
the money for Nanny. And, Mr. Dishart, I
must be gone in five minutes.”

“In five minutes,” echoed Gavin, with such a
dismal face that Babbie heard the words with her
eyes, and dropped her hands.

“Why are you in such haste?” he asked, tak-
ing the five pounds mechanically, and forgetting
all that he had meant to say.

“Because they require me at home,” she
answered, with a sly glance at her fir. “ And,
remember, when I run away you must not follow
ines:

“J won't,” said Gavin, so promptly that she
was piqued.

“Why not?” she asked. “ But of course you

2?

she said.