Thereby Hangs a Tale Part 52

After which she broke into a violent fit of sobbing, and plumped herself down in the nearest chair, Fin tending her for a moment, and then fetching Sir Hampton to her side, to ask forgiveness.

Next there was a general display of pocket-handkerchiefs. Fin gave a hysterical hurrah, and kissed everybody in turn, ending by exclaiming, as she sobbed aloud--

"And now we're all happy!"

In fact there were smiles upon every face but Sir Hampton's, and he, feebly saying he did not like it, was left alone as the party adjourned to the drawing-room.

"Lady Rea, I have you to thank for this," said Trevor, affectionately.

"How am I ever to show it?"

"By being very, very, very kind to my darling there," said Lady Rea, pitifully; "for you're a bad, cruel man to come and win away her love."

Then, of course, there was a great deal more kissing, ending in a burst of merriment; for Fin dashed, wet-eyed, to the piano, and rattled off, "Haste to the Wedding," running into Mendelssohn's "Wedding March," till Tiny went and closed the instrument.

At that moment Edward, the footman, knocked at the door, and entered, saying to Lady Rea--

"If you please, m'lady, Miss Matilda's took bad, and wants the doctor.

Who shall I send?"

"Gracious, Edward! what is it?" said Lady Rea.

"Please, m'lady, they think it's spasms," said the footman.

Lady Rea ran out, and the doctor was sent for from St Kitt's; but, by the time he arrived, Aunt Matty's spasms were better.

And so Richard Trevor, master of Penreife, became engaged to Valentina Rea, of Tolcarne.

Volume 2, Chapter XVI.

VERY DREAMY.

Trevor heard it afterwards from Fin, how that mamma saw Captain Vanleigh when he called with Sir Felix; Sir Hampton leaving a note, and--so Fin declared--hiding in the gardener's toolhouse till the visit was over; and that she had, at the earnest wish of Sir Felix, seen him in the drawing-room.

"Where he made the most downright b.o.o.by of himself you ever saw," said Fin.

And the result was that one morning, after the most elaborate fencing had been going on between Trevor and his guests, one vieing with the other in politeness, Pratt met his old schoolfellow on his return from Tolcarne with--

"Thank goodness, d.i.c.k, 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, d.i.c.k? 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 flowers, Frank Pratt helping her in a loving, deferential manner, very different from his general easy-going way; while Fin had caught Trevor by the arm, led him into the far window, and forced him back into a chair, before which she stood, holding up a menacing finger.

"I'm ashamed of you, d.i.c.k--I am indeed," she said, sharply.

"Ashamed!" he exclaimed. "Why?"

"Such cunning, such artfulness! I didn't give you credit for it."

"What do you mean?"

"Coaxing pa round like that, when you no more want hothouses than I do.

There, go away, sir; I'm disgusted. Look! ma's beckoning to you."

In effect, Lady Rea was cautiously making signals from the tea-tray; and on Trevor going to her, Pratt slowly crossed to the window, and began to talk to Fin.

"Do you know, Miss Rea, I find I've been here six weeks," he said awkwardly.

"You don't say so, Mr Pratt," said Fin, quietly.

Pratt stared, and went on.

"The time has gone like magic."

"Has it really?" said Fin, demurely.

"Yes," said Pratt a little bitterly; "and as I have decided upon returning to town in a day or two, I thought I'd take this opportunity of saying good-bye."

"I think its the very best thing you can do, Mr Pratt," said Fin, sharply.

"What, say good-bye?"

"No, go back to town. You will be industrious there. See what's come to your poor friend by mooning about in the country."

She nodded her saucy head in the direction of Trevor, who was bending over Tiny--she looking shyly conscious and happy--while Lady Rea beamed upon them both; and Sir Hampton thought so deeply with his eyes closed, that he emitted something much like a stertorous snore.