The prospect of becoming a thief struck me with horror; and resolving never again to meddle with other people’s things, I begged Mr. Eylton to forgive me, and entreated him not to inform Mrs. Eylton of my misdemeanor.  He smiled at the anxiety I displayed not to have it known; and then taking a bunch of keys from a box, he proceeded to gratify my curiosity with respect to the other drawers.  These amply repaid an investigation; containing numerous toys and trinkets of foreign manufacture, among which were two or three small alabaster images.  One represented a beautiful greyhound in a reclining position; there was an Italian image of the Virgin and Child; and some others which I have almost forgotten.  I was allowed to examine all these things at my leisure; and when I departed, it was with a firm conviction that Mr. Eylton was far more agreeable than his wife.

Jane soon came in from the summer-house, after an unsuccessful search for me through the garden, and was not a little surprised to find me quietly established with Mr. Eylton.  Towards sunset Mrs. Eylton returned; and being graciously dismissed, we went home with the impression that it had been altogether rather a curious visit.  But the afternoon dwelt in my memory like a golden gleam; and often I went over, in imagination, that delightful investigation of Mrs. Eylton’s drawers.

CHAPTER VII.

We were generally besieged with visitors of all descriptions and characters.  My parents had one or two poor relations who made long stays at every visit; and being generous, even to a fault, they loaded them with presents at their departure, and invitations to come again.  There was one old lady, in particular, who engaged my fancy; she came to see us quite often, and in the family went by the name of “Aunty Patton.”  Aunty Patton was a widow, with very slender means; and boarded with a married daughter, who had a large family of children, but very little to support them on.  Poor Aunty! she fared rather poorly at home, and did so seem to enjoy everything.  She was particularly fond of fruit-cake; and whenever she came, mamma took particular pains that this should be one of the appliances of the tea-table.  She possessed many wealthy acquaintances and relations, and enjoyed visiting around among them very much; praising everything that was set before her, and never contradicting any one.  It teemed impossible to put anything on the table which she did not like; everything was “good,” and “delightful,” and “just what she would have fancied.”  At length some cousin determined to test her patience; and on one occasion, when the old lady happened to dine there, the dishes, when uncovered, were found to contain nothing but supaun and potatoes.

“I am really sorry, Aunty Patton,” began the hostess, “to be able to offer you nothing better for dinner—­but sometimes you know”—­

“O,” said Aunty, with rather a rueful look, “it’ll do.”