leading the
way back into the drawing-room, and passing at the top of the kitchen
stairs the young woman with the bit of salmon.

The dinner was not gay. In the first place, Neefit and Mrs. Neefit
gave very explicit and very opposite directions as to the manner in
which their guests were to walk in to dinner, the result of which
was that Ralph was obliged to give his arm to the elder lady, while
Ontario carried off the prize. Mrs. Neefit also gave directions as
to the places, which were obeyed in spite of an attempt of Neefit's
to contravene them. Ontario and Polly sat on one side of the table,
while Ralph sat opposite to them. Neefit, when he saw that the
arrangement was made and could not be altered, lost his temper and
scolded his wife. "Law, papa, what does it matter?" said Polly.
Polly's position certainly was unpleasant enough; but she made head
against her difficulties gallantly. Ontario, who had begun to guess
the truth, said not a word. He was not, however, long in making up
his mind that a personal encounter with Mr. Ralph Newton might be
good for his system. Mrs. Neefit nagged at her husband, and told
him when he complained about the meat, that if he would look after
the drinkables that would be quite enough for him to do. Ralph
himself found it to be impossible even to look as though things
were going right. Never in his life had he been in a position so
uncomfortable,--or, as he thought, so disreputable. It was not to
be endured that Moggs, his bootmaker, should see him sitting at the
table of Neefit, his breeches-maker.

The dinner was at last over, and the port-wine was carried out into
the arbour;--not, on this occasion, by Polly, but by the maid. Polly
and Mrs. Neefit went off together, while Ralph crowded into the
little summer-house with Moggs and Neefit. In this way half an hour
was passed,--a half hour of terrible punishment. But there was worse
coming. "Mr. Newton," said Neefit, "I think I heard something about
your taking a walk with our Polly. If you like to make a start of it,
don't let us keep you. Moggs and I will have a pipe together."

"I also intend to walk with Miss Neefit," said Ontario, standing up
bravely.

[Illustration: "I also intend to walk with Miss Neefit," said
Ontario, standing up bravely.]

"Two's company and three's none," said Neefit.

"No doubt," said Ontario; "no doubt. I feel that myself. Mr. Newton,
I've been attached to Miss Neefit these two years. I don't m