, and the little
ones were so engaged in looking at her that they quite forgot to be
naughty, except that Billy Mole, in curiosity to know what anything so
glossy and shining could be, pinched the end of her sash, and left the
grimy mark of his little hot hands on it, which caused Maitland the
maid, who had charge of her toilette, to declare that such things always
came of going among "they nasty, dirty little brats."

Dr Fogram rode over on a plump, shining, black horse, followed by a
well-equipped groom. He dismounted, and gave his horse to the man when
he overtook the Carbonel party on the way up the hill.

"Captain Carbonel, I believe," said he, touching his hat, almost a
shovel. "Will you do me the honour to introduce me to the ladies," and
to them he uncovered with the grand formal politeness which even then
was becoming rather old-fashioned, and which they returned with
curtsies, Sophia's, being fresh from the dancing-master, the most
perfect of all.

"I understand," said he, "that I am greatly indebted to you for pains
taken with this unfortunate parish."

"We have been trying to do what we could," said Mrs Carbonel, to whom
this was chiefly addressed.

"It is a great kindness," he replied, "and I hope the people may show
themselves sensible of your exertions, but hitherto all endeavours for
their benefit have been thrown away."

Dora could not help wondering what the exertions were!

After the service he joined the family again, and said that he thought
the appearance of the poor--and especially of the children--and their
behaviour much improved, and he had no doubt it was owing to the gentle
and beneficent influence of the ladies, to whom he bowed.

In fact, the children had been much engaged in staring, though whether
he or Sophy were the prime attraction, might be doubtful. At any rate,
Master Pucklechurch's rod had only once descended. Moreover, two neat
sun-bonnets of lilac print adorned two heads, and the frocks looked as
if they were sometimes washed.

Captain Carbonel said he hoped to have some conversation with the
President about the parish; and he responded that he hoped to do himself
the honour of calling the next day. After which he mounted his horse
and rode off.

The three sisters waited and watched as if their whole fate depended on
the morning's conference but nothing was seen of the President till
after luncheon, when he rode up, attended by his groom as before. To
their gre