‘Indeed but he has though,’ interposed Miss Milly; a good deal to my chagrin, for I saw no particular reason for placing his verses in Cousin Monica’s hands.  So I confessed the two little copies of verses, with the qualification, however, that I did not know from whom they came.

’Well now, dear Maud, have not I told you fifty times over to have nothing to say to him?  I’ve found out, my dear, he plays, and he is very much in debt.  I’ve made a vow to pay no more for him.  I’ve been such a fool, you have no notion; and I’m speaking, you know, against myself; it would be such a relief if he were to find a wife to support him; and he has been, I’m told, very sweet upon a rich old maid—­a button-maker’s sister, in Manchester.’

This arrow was well shot.

’But don’t be frightened:  you are richer as well as younger; and, no doubt, will have your chance first, my dear; and in the meantime, I dare say, those verses, like Falstaff’s billet-doux, you know, are doing double duty.’

I laughed, but the button-maker was a secret trouble to me; and I would have given I know not what that Captain Oakley were one of the company, that I might treat him with the refined contempt which his deserts and my dignity demanded.

Cousin Monica busied herself about Milly’s toilet, and was a very useful lady’s maid, chatting in her own way all the time; and, at last, tapping Milly under the chin with her finger, she said, very complacently—­

’I think I have succeeded, Miss Milly; look in the glass.  She really is a very pretty creature.’

And Milly blushed, and looked with a shy gratification, which made her still prettier, on the mirror.

Milly indeed was very pretty.  She looked much taller now that her dresses were made of the usual length.  A little plump she was, beautifully fair, with such azure eyes, and rich hair.

’The more you laugh the better, Milly, for you’ve got very pretty teeth—­very pretty; and if you were my daughter, or if your father would become president of a college of magicians, and give you up to me, I venture to say I would place you very well; and even as it is we must try, my dear.’

So down to the drawing-room we went; and Cousin Monica entered, leading us both by the hands.

By this time the curtains were closed, and the drawing-room dependent on the pleasant glow of the fire, and the slight provisional illumination usual before dinner.

‘Here are my two cousins,’ began Lady Knollys:  ’this is Miss Ruthyn, of Knowl, whom I take the liberty of calling Maud; and this is Miss Millicent Ruthyn, Silas’s daughter, you know, whom I venture to call Milly; and they are very pretty, as you will see, when we get a little more light, and they know it very well themselves.’

And as she spoke, a frank-eyed, gentle, prettyish lady, not so tall as I, but with a very kind face, rose up from a book of prints, and, smiling, took our hands.