The lamps of the Casino and the gardens were out; only the dim
starlight lighted the scene. The two children sat up and stared about
them--Elsie sleepily, Tinker wide awake.
"We've found you at last. Hasn't your little friend's uncle come for
her?" said Sir Tancred.
"No one has come," said Tinker.
Sir Tancred and Lord Crosland looked at one another.
"Desertion," murmured Lord Crosland softly.
"Well, come along," said Sir Tancred cheerfully. "We must put her up
for to-night."
The children slipped off the seat; Tinker put Elsie's arm through his,
and, holding her up when she stumbled over the long ulster, followed
his father and Lord Crosland.
There were some empty bedrooms in their corridor, and Elsie was settled
for the night in one of them.
Tinker awoke next morning, very cheerful at the thought of having a
companion to join in his amusements. He made haste to knock at Elsie's
door, and bid her come out for a swim before their coffee. She was
soon dressed and found him waiting for her. She flushed a little as
she greeted him, and he greeted her with a seraph's smile.
"I thought you'd like a bathe before our coffee," he said.
"It would be nice," said Elsie wistfully.
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