lcarne with--

"Thank goodness, Dick, there's peace in the grove."

"What do you mean, Franky?" said Trevor, who was rather uneasy at having
heard from Lady Rea that Sir Felix and Vanleigh had been up to the house
while he was away with the girls, and had a long interview with Sir
Hampton and Aunt Matty.

"Mean, Dick? Why, that the telegram has come at last--message from St
Kitt's--Vanleigh and Flick wanted directly in town--so sorry couldn't
stop to say good-bye, and that sort of thing."

"Then they are gone?"

"Yes. I ordered round the waggonette; and Mrs Lloyd seems in ecstasies
at the clear-out, and is getting ready to bestow a benediction on me--
for I must be off next."

"Nonsense, Franky; you are happy enough here."

"No, old fellow--this Sybarite's life is spoiling me, and I must go."

"Why not follow my example, Franky?" said Trevor, laughing.

Pratt shrugged his shoulders, and the matter dropped for the time being.

The next evening the Reas dined at Penreife in great state and dignity--
all but Aunt Matty, who steadily refused pardon, and turned her back
upon Trevor; while Sir Hampton preserved a dignified composure upon the
matter, as if submitting of necessity; for--

"Mark my words, Hampton," his sister had said, "this ridiculous marriage
will never take place. I should as soon expect Finetta to be espoused
by that wretched little companion of the seafaring man."

Sir Hampton grunted, and went to the dinner, which he thoroughly
enjoyed, and softened a good deal over his wine; after which, the
evening being delicious, he allowed himself to be inveigled into the
grounds, where Trevor asked his advice respecting some new
forcing-houses which he proposed having, listening to him with
deference; and at last, when they strolled in through the open
drawing-room window, Sir Hampton said aloud--

"Er-rum--yes, Trevor, I'll come over with Sanders--say Wednesday--and he
shall mark out the lines on the same plan as mine. I think I can put
you in the way of many improvements."

Directly after, he was settled in an easy-chair, with his handkerchief
spread upon his knees, thinking--with his eyes closed; and while he
thought, everybody spoke in a whisper, for it was a custom with Sir
Hampton Rea to think for half an hour after dinner--with his eyes
closed: he never took a nap.

Lady Rea, looking rosy, round, and warm, was presiding at the tea-table;
and Tiny, blushing and happy, was rearranging some