And if she took the name of Pennycuick, she could not pass
it on. After all, a boy is best."

So Robert Goldsworthy remained in the position his gifts had gained for
him.

After an admirable meal--in the course of which Deb made herself most
charming to her brother-in-law, while Rose retired as much as possible
from the conversation, in order that he might shine to the best
advantage--those little matters of business that had been mentioned
were discussed. They were trifles invented for the purpose of
compliments to Mr Breen, and the serious energy with which he applied
himself to each case, and his exhaustive treatment of it, showed his
thorough enjoyment of the part alloted to him by the distinguished
woman who was so accomplished in the art of giving pleasure--especially
to men. Frankly, Deb always preferred a man to talk to, and she was
agreeably surprised to find that Peter was very intelligent, and
acquainted with several things beside shopkeeping. Rose was simply
enchanted to find herself 'cut out' by him. When she was not stealing
from the room to leave the coast clear, she was beaming over her
needlework in the background, still as a mouse. Not by word or look
would she spoil his chance of proving to Deb what he really was--how
mistaken in him she and the others had been.

It was Peter who escorted the guest round the garden and stables, Mrs
Peter excusing herself. In the well-stocked greenhouse Miss Pennycuick,
who was fond of flowers, obtained 'wrinkles' that she declared would be
most valuable to her in the management of her Redford houses--which she
implied that he must see; in the interview with the carriage
horse--Rose had a little brougham, not, as her sisters supposed, for
paying calls on other drapers' wives, which she had small leisure for,
but for shoppings and airings and taking children to dentists and
pantomimes--Miss Pennycuick was instructive in her turn, feeling legs
and advising about firing and bandages with the recognised authority of
an expert. Old Bruce, padding at his master's heels, was greeted by
name, patted and shaken hands with, as if he had never abetted rebels;
and the discovery of a litter of choice puppies gave opportunity for
the making of a little present, which was graciously received.

After tea, Rose was invited to show her house--a further proof of her
sister's tact and powers of divination. Now Peter was left behind--he
used the opportunity to cut flowers for Deb to t