her hands, and making a bound off the
moss; "how nice! I mean," she added, demurely, "how correct."

Fin whispered her sister, who was growing flushed and troubled by the
eager and impressive way in which Trevor spoke to her.

"It would be such a pity," he said, walking on by her side, "if any
little trifle like that in dispute should be allowed to disturb the
peace, and break what would, I am sure, be a charming intimacy!"

"Why, the great, handsome wretch is making love to her," said Fin to
herself. "Oh, what a shame! I hate him already."

"I know--I feel sure papa will only be too glad--too ready to make
amends," said Tiny, who was growing more confused; for every time she
spoke and ventured to glance at her companion, it was to meet his eyes
gazing into hers with a depth of tenderness that pleased while it
troubled her, and made her little heart behave in the most absurdly
fluttering fashion. He looked so frank and handsome--so different in
his brown tweeds and carelessly put-on hat to the carefully dressed
dandies, their companions of the day before.

"I have told Sir Hampton that I mean to call this afternoon to ask him
to shake hands with me. Do you think I may?" he said, with another
look.

"I don't know--I think so--oh yes! pray call," said Tiny, confused, and
blushing more than ever.

"Thank you, I will," he said, earnestly, "and you will be at home?"

"I forbid thee--no, thou must not come," said Fin, in a mock-serious
tone, "And why not?" said Trevor, turning upon her.

"Because Aunt Matty hates the sight of young men, and papa will be ready
to eat you."

"Why, bless your bright, merry little face," cried Trevor,
enthusiastically, and catching Fin's hands in his. "Do you know what I
feel as if I could do?"

"No, of course not," cried Fin, trying to frown, and looking bewitching.

"Why, catch you up and kiss you a dozen times for a merry little
woodland fay," cried Trevor.

"Oh, gracious!" cried Fin, snatching away her hands, and retreating
behind her sister.

"Don't be alarmed, little maiden," said Trevor, laughing; "I won't do
so."

"I should think not," cried Fin.

"Sailors' manners," said Trevor, laughing, as he walked on by their
side.

"Do you know how old I am, sir?" said Fin, austerely.

"I should say nearly sixteen," said Trevor, glancing at her sister.

"Seventeen and a half, sir," said Fin, with dignity on her forehead, and
a laugh at each corner of her little mouth.