Why, I thought tithes were parsons' payments, aunty," said Fin,
merrily; and Aunt Matty stopped short, Lady Rea turned away to smile,
and Sir Hampton actually chuckled.

Miss Matilda gathered up her skirts, and taking Pepine under her arm,
was marching out of the room.

"Please, aunt, I'm very sorry," said Fin. "I'm afraid I'm a very
naughty little girl, and shall have to be punished--Papa, can I have any
dinner?"

"Er-rum. Matilda," said Sir Hampton, "I am going on the lawn. Will you
come?"

Aunt Matty was mollified, and took his arm.

"You shouldn't, Fin, indeed," said Tiny.

"My darling, I must beg of you not," said Lady Rea, piteously.

"Then she shan't snub my darling, dear mamma," said Fin, kissing her.
"I'm never saucy to Aunt Matty only when she says rude things to you;
treating me like a child, too! Oh, mamma, if you ever find me growing
into a sour old maid, pray poison me with something hidden in a spoonful
of currant jam."

Volume 2, Chapter VIII.

PROPOSALS.

"If you wish it, Hampton, of course have it; but I think the money that
it will cost might very well be given to some missionary fund," said
Miss Matilda.

"Er-rum! When I want your advice, Matty, I shall ask it," said Sir
Hampton. "I must keep up my dignity in the county."

"You could do it in no better way, Hampton, than by subscribing to the
South Sea Islander Society--`Sir Hampton Rea, twenty guineas,' in the
county paper, would add more to your dignity than giving a dinner
party."

This was at breakfast, and Fin cast malicious glances at her sister, who
was blushing, and bending over her plate.

"Fanny!--er-rum!" continued Sir Hampton, not seeming to notice his
sister, "we'll say Friday. You will send invitations to--er-rum--let me
see!"

"Stop a minute, Hampy dear," cried her ladyship, making a scuffle to get
at something. "There--oh! now, how tiresome--that cream jug always gets
in the way. Thank you, Fin, my dear; take it up with a spoon--it isn't
hurt."

"Oh, ma dear," cried Fin, "the cream will taste of hot washerwoman and
mangles. You can't use it now."

"Oh, I'll drink it, my dear--oh!" she added, in a low voice, "Aunt Matty
will think it such waste."

"Are you ready, Fanny?" said Sir Hampton, rolling his head in his stiff
cravat.

"One moment, Hampy," said her ladyship, getting her pencil and tablets.
"My memory is so bad now, I must put them down."

"Then--er-rum--first we'll say--"

"Oh, one momen