ed; she quite lost her head at that point, and
was incompetent to finish the sentiment she had prefaced.

'You think? Now, take my advice, and never wait to think my dear; talk
first, and think afterwards, that is my way; though, indeed, I can't say
I ever think at all. It is a very cowardly habit. Our cold-blooded cousin
Maud, there, thinks sometimes; but it is always such a failure that I
forgive her. I wonder when your little pre-Adamite butler will return. He
speaks the language of the Picts and Ancient Britons, I dare say, and your
father requires a little time to translate him. And, Milly dear, I am very
hungry, so I won't wait for your butler, who would give me, I suppose, one
of the cakes baked by King Alfred, and some Danish beer in a skull; but
I'll ask you for a little of that nice bread and butter.'

With which accordingly Lady Knollys was quickly supplied; but it did not at
all impede her utterance.

'Do you think, girls, you could be ready to come away with me, if Silas
gives leave, in an hour or two? I should so like to take you both home with
me to Elverston.'

'How delightful! you darling,' cried I, embracing and kissing her; 'for my
part, I should be ready in five minutes; what do you say, Milly?'

Poor Milly's wardrobe, I am afraid, was more portable than handsome; and
she looked horribly affrighted, and whispered in my ear--

'My best petticoat is away at the laundress; say in a week, Maud.'

'What does she say?' asked Lady Knollys.

'She fears she can't be ready,' I answered, dejectedly.

'There's a deal of my slops in the wash,' blurted out poor Milly, staring
straight at Lady Knollys.

'In the name of wonder, what does my cousin mean?' asked Lady Knollys.

'Her things have not come home yet from the laundress,' I replied; and at
this moment our wondrous old butler entered to announce to Lady Knollys
that his master was ready to receive her, whenever she was disposed to
favour him; and also to make polite apologies for his being compelled, by
his state of health, to give her the trouble of ascending to his room.

So Cousin Monica was at the door in a moment, over her shoulder calling to
us, 'Come, girls.'

'Please, not yet, my lady--you alone; and he requests the young ladies will
be in the way, as he will send for them presently.'

I began to admire poor 'Giblets' as the wreck of a tolerably respectable
servant.

'Very good; perhaps it is better we should kiss and be friends in pri