leted the charm. To expound and to
listen to histories of agricultural experiments that really answered,
was highly satisfactory to both, and all the evening they were eager
over the great account-book which was the pride of the squire's heart;
while Virginia and Louisa grumbled or looked imploring, and Isabel
marvelled at there being any interest for any one in old Mr. Mansell's
conversation.

'What is the meaning of this?' asked James, as they went up stairs.

Louis shrugged like a Frenchman, looked debonnaire, and said
'Good-night.'

Again he came down; prepared for shooting, though both pale and lame;
but he quietly put aside all expostulations, walking on until, about
fifty yards from the house, a pebble, turning under the injured foot,
caused such severe pain that he could but just stagger to a tree and
sit down.

There was much battling before Mr. Mansell would consent to leave him,
or he to allow James to help him back to the house, before going on to
overtake the party.

Very irate was Jem, at folly that seemed to have undone the benefits of
the last month, and at changeableness that was a desertion of the queen
to whom all homage was due. He was astonished that Louis turned into
the study, a room little inhabited in general, and said, 'Make
haste--you will catch the others; don't fall in with the ladies.'

'I mean to send your aunt to you.'

'Pray don't. Can't you suppose that peace is grateful after having
counted every mortal hour last night?'

'Was that the reason you were going to walk ten miles without a leg to
stand upon? Fitzjocelyn! is this systematic?'

'What is?' said Louis, wearily.

'Your treatment of--your aunt.'

'On what system should aunts be treated?'

'Of all moments to choose for caprice! Exactly when I thought even you
were fixed!'

'Pur troppo,' sighed Louis.

'Ha!' cried Jem, 'you have not gone and precipitated matters! I
thought you could never amaze me again; but even you might have felt
she was a being to merit rather more time and respect!'

'Even I am not devoid of the organ of veneration.'

His meek tone was a further provocation; and with uplifted chin, hair
ruffled like the crest of a Shetland pony, flashing eyes, and distinct
enunciation, James exclaimed, 'You will excuse me for not understanding
you. You come here; you devote yourself to your aunt and cousins--you
seem strongly attracted; then, all on a sudden, you rush out
shooting--an exercise for