Robert felt at his chin, and thanked Heaven again that he had let his beard grow.  Almost mechanically he decided to wear the mask—­in short, to dissemble.

“Yes, my dear,” he said.  “I just looked in to know what you would like me to bring you.”

“You’re late, aren’t oo?  Oughtn’t oo to have come this morning?”

[Editor.  This is splendid.  This quite reconciles me to the absence of the robin.  But what was Elsie doing downstairs?

Author.  I am making Robert ask her that question directly.

Editor.  Yes, but just tell me now—­between friends.

Author.  She had left her golliwog in the room, and couldn’t sleep
without her.

Editor.  I knew that was it.]

“If I’m late, dear,” said Robert, with a smile, “why, so are you.”

The good food and wine in his veins were doing their work, and a pleasant warmth was stealing over Hardrow.  He found to his surprise that airy banter still came easy to him.

“To what,” he continued lightly, “do I owe the honour of this meeting?”

“I came downstairs for my dolly,” said Elsie.  “The one you sent me this morning, do you remember?”

“Of course I do, my dear.”

“And what have you bwought me now, Father Kwistmas?”

Robert started.  If he was to play the role successfully he must find something to give her now.  The remains of the turkey, a pair of finger-bowls, his old hat—­all these came hastily into his mind, and were dismissed.  He had nothing of value on him.  All had been pawned long ago.

Stay!  The gold locket studded with diamonds and rubies, which contained Alice’s photograph.  The one memento of her that he had kept, even when the pangs of starvation were upon him.  He brought it from its resting-place next his heart.

“A little something to wear round your neck, child,” he said.  “See!”

“Thank oo,” said Elsie.  “Why, it opens!”

“Yes, it opens,” said Robert moodily.

“Why, it’s Alith!  Sister Alith!”

[Editor.  Ha!

Author.  I thought you’d like that.]

Robert leapt to his feet as if he had been shot.

“Who?” he cried.

“My sister Alith.  Does oo know her too?”

Alice’s sister!  Heavens!  He covered his face with his hands.

The door opened.

[Editor.  Ha again!]

“What are you doing here, Elsie?” said a voice.  “Go to bed, child.  Why, who is this?”