"But did you see a finer bred specimen than that--say frankly?"

"Nothing like it; 'fectly sure of it."

"There, Miss Rea," said Vanleigh, "and Landells is one of the finest amateur judges of dogs in the country."

"Is he really?" said Miss Matilda, smiling.

"Oh yes," said Vanleigh. "What should you think that dog was worth, Landells?"

"Any money," said Sir Felix; "five at least."

"But I gave ten pounds for it," said Miss Matilda, indignantly.

"Exactly," said Vanleigh. "Then you obtained it at a great bargain."

"But he said five pounds," said Miss Matilda.

"Exactly, my dear madam," said Vanleigh. "That is the judge's fashion-- five pounds a paw; twenty pounds."

"Oh, I see!" said Miss Matilda, and Trevor turned aside, for he had encountered Fin's laughing eyes, and her pinched-up mouth had said dumbly--

"My! What a fib!"

After a little more conversation, the trio took their leave, and there was peace between the dwellers at Penreife and Tolcarne for many days to come.

"Er-rum," said Sir Hampton, as soon as they were alone. "I am not very agreeably impressed with this Mr Trevor."

"Aren't you, dear?" said Lady Rea; "and I thought him such a nice, gentlemanly, frank fellow, and so did the girls."

"Sadly wanting in manners," said Aunt Matty. "Quite as you said, Hampton--rough and uncultivated."

Sir Hampton nodded his head approvingly.

"But he don't call out 'avast!' and 'Ship ahoy!' and 'Haul in slack,' as you said he would, aunty," said Fin.

"Finetta, I never made use of any such language," said Miss Matilda.

"Then it must have been I," said Fin. "I know somebody said so."

"Most gentlemanly men the friends you introduced, Hampton--especially Captain Vanleigh."

"And the dog-fancier with the gla.s.s," put in Fin, in an undertone; but her aunt heard her.

"Hampton," she said, viciously, "I am unwilling to make complaints, but I am sorry to say that the treatment I receive from Finetta is anything but becoming. Several times this afternoon her remarks to me have been such as when I was a little girl I should never have thought of using, and I should have been severely reprimanded if I had said a t.i.the."

"Why, I thought t.i.thes were parsons' payments, aunty," said Fin, merrily; and Aunt Matty stopped short, Lady Rea turned away to smile, and Sir Hampton actually chuckled.

Miss Matilda gathered up her skirts, and taking Pepine under her arm, was marching out of the room.

"Please, aunt, I'm very sorry," said Fin. "I'm afraid I'm a very naughty little girl, and shall have to be punished--Papa, can I have any dinner?"

"Er-rum. Matilda," said Sir Hampton, "I am going on the lawn. Will you come?"

Aunt Matty was mollified, and took his arm.

"You shouldn't, Fin, indeed," said Tiny.

"My darling, I must beg of you not," said Lady Rea, piteously.

"Then she shan't snub my darling, dear mamma," said Fin, kissing her.

"I'm never saucy to Aunt Matty only when she says rude things to you; treating me like a child, too! Oh, mamma, if you ever find me growing into a sour old maid, pray poison me with something hidden in a spoonful of currant jam."

Volume 2, Chapter VIII.

PROPOSALS.

"If you wish it, Hampton, of course have it; but I think the money that it will cost might very well be given to some missionary fund," said Miss Matilda.

"Er-rum! When I want your advice, Matty, I shall ask it," said Sir Hampton. "I must keep up my dignity in the county."

"You could do it in no better way, Hampton, than by subscribing to the South Sea Islander Society--'Sir Hampton Rea, twenty guineas,' in the county paper, would add more to your dignity than giving a dinner party."

This was at breakfast, and Fin cast malicious glances at her sister, who was blushing, and bending over her plate.

"f.a.n.n.y!--er-rum!" continued Sir Hampton, not seeming to notice his sister, "we'll say Friday. You will send invitations to--er-rum--let me see!"

"Stop a minute, Hampy dear," cried her ladyship, making a scuffle to get at something. "There--oh! now, how tiresome--that cream jug always gets in the way. Thank you, Fin, my dear; take it up with a spoon--it isn't hurt."

"Oh, ma dear," cried Fin, "the cream will taste of hot washerwoman and mangles. You can't use it now."

"Oh, I'll drink it, my dear--oh!" she added, in a low voice, "Aunt Matty will think it such waste."

"Are you ready, f.a.n.n.y?" said Sir Hampton, rolling his head in his stiff cravat.

"One moment, Hampy," said her ladyship, getting her pencil and tablets.

"My memory is so bad now, I must put them down."

"Then--er-rum--first we'll say--"

"Oh, one moment, Hampy; this tiresome pencil's got no point again."

"Take mine, ma dear," said Fin.

"Thank you, my love. Now, pa."

"Er-rum," said Sir Hampton--"first, then, we'll have er--er--Sir Felix Landells."

Aunt Matty bowed her head approvingly.