d a woman to wash, and says it
will save her a maid. The people can get milk now: I assure you they
look more wholesome already! And Beecher has actually asked for two
more houses in emulation. And Richardson found himself turned over to
me!'

'Oh, that's right.'

'I've been at the plans all the afternoon. I see how to contrive the
fireplace in the back room, that we could not have in the first set,
and make them cheaper, too. My father has really made a point of that
old decrepit Hailes being moved from Marksedge; and Mary, he, and
Richardson mean Inglewood to be made over to me for good. I am to put
in a bailiff, and do as I can with it--have the profits or bear the
losses. I think I have an idea--'

In spite of her willingness to hear the idea, Mary could not help
asking, 'Have you sent off the Police article?'

'Hush, Mary; it is my prime object to have it well forgotten.'

'Oh! did not Sir Miles like it?'

'He said it wanted liveliness and anecdote. So the Santissima
Hermandad, and all the extraneous history, were sent to him; and then
he was well content, and only wanted me to leave out all the Christian
chivalry--all I cared to say--'

'You don't mean not to finish? Your father was so pleased, Isabel so
much struck! It is a pity--'

'No, no; you may forgive me, Mary--it is not pure laziness. It was
mere rubbish, without the point, which was too strong for the two
politicians; rubbish, any way. Don't tell me to go on with it; it was
a mere trial, much better let it die away. I really have no time; if I
don't mind my own business, I shall be a plucked gosling; and that
would go to his, lordship's heart. Besides, I must get these plans
done. Do you remember where we got the fire-bricks for the ovens?'

Mary was answering, when Walter came bursting through the crowd. 'Where
is he? Fitzjocelyn, it is your turn.'

'Here is a curious specimen for our great naturalist,' said Mrs. Frost,
a glow in her cheeks, and her voice all stifled mirth and mischief.

It was a large nest of moss and horsehair, partly concealed under the
lower branches, and containing two huge eggs streaked and spotted with
azure and vermilion, and a purple and yellow feather, labelled,
'Dropped by the parent animal in her flight, on the discovery of the
nest by the crew of H.M.S. Flying Dutchman. North Greenland, April
1st, 1847. Qu.? Female of Equus Pegasus. Respectfully dedicated to
the Right Honourable Viscount Fit