ertainly, our own preserves," said David, still dryly, thinking how
Cassandra would wonder what preserves were, and what she would say if
told that in preserves, wild harmless animals were kept from being
killed by the common people for food, in order that those of his own
class might chase them down and kill them for their amusement.

"Oh, David, I remember how you used to be always putting on a look like
that, and thinking a lot of nasty things under your breath. I hoped you
would come home vastly improved. Was it what I said about matrimony?
Mamma knows it's true."

"Hardly as you put it, my child; there is much besides for a girl to
think about."

"You said 'chances' yourself, mamma."

"Certainly, but that is for me to consider. You must remember that it
was you who refused to have your coming out last year."

"I didn't want my good times cut short then, mamma, and have to take up
proprieties--or at least I would have had to be dreadfully proper for a
while, anyway--and now--why I have to be naturally; and here I am unable
to come out for another year yet and my hair streaming down my back all
the time. I'm sure I can't see how my chances are in the least improved
by it all; and by that time I shall be so old."

"Oh, you will be quite young enough," said David.

"You occupy a far different position now, child. To make your debut as
Lady Laura will give you quite another place in the world. Your
headstrong postponement, fortunately, will do no harm. It will make your
introduction to the circle where you are eventually to move, much
simpler."

Laura lifted her eyebrows and glanced from her mother to her brother.
"Very well, mamma, but one thing you might as well know now. I shan't
drop some of my friends--if being Lady Laura lifts me above them as high
as the moon. I like them, and I don't care."

She whistled, and a beautiful, silken-haired setter crept from under the
sofa whereon she had been sitting, and wriggled about after the manner
of guilty dogs.

"Laura, dear!"

"Yes, mamma, I've been hiding him with my skirts by sitting there. He
was bad and followed me in. We've been out riding together." She stroked
his silken coat with her riding crop. "Mamma won't allow him in here,
and he jolly well knows it. Bad Zip, bad, sir! Look at him. Isn't he
clever? I must go and dress for dinner. Mamma wants you to herself, I
know, and Mr. Stretton will be here soon. You can't think, David, how
glad I am we have y