Phyllis looked quite radiant with delight at his approbation.

‘But, papa,’ said Maurice, ’may I have a piece of plate-glass, eighteen by twenty?’

’When you observe facts in natural history, perhaps I may say something to your entomology,’ said Mr. Mohun.

’But, papa, all my insects will be spoilt if I may not have a piece of glass, eighteen by—­’

He was interrupted by the arrival of the post-bag, which Jane, as usual, opened.  ‘A letter from Rotherwood,’ said she; ’I hope he is coming at last.’

‘He is,’ said Claude, reading the letter, ’but only from Saturday till Wednesday.’

’He never gave us so little of his good company as he has this summer,’ said Emily.

‘You will have them all in the autumn, to comfort you,’ said Claude, ’for he hereby announces the marvellous fact, that the Marchioness sends him to see if the castle is fit to receive her.’

‘Are you sure he is not only believing what he wishes?’ said Mr. Mohun.

‘I think he will gain his point at last,’ said Claude.

‘How stupid of him to stay no longer!’ said Reginald.

‘I think he has some scheme for this vacation,’ said Claude, ’and I suppose he means to crowd all the Beechcroft diversions of a whole summer into those few days.’

‘Emily,’ said Mr. Mohun, ’I wish him to know the Carringtons; invite them and the Westons to dinner on Tuesday.’

‘Oh don’t!’ cried Reginald.  ’It will be so jolly to have him to take wasps’ nests; and may I go out rabbit-shooting with him?’

‘If he goes.’

‘And may I carry a gun?’

‘If it is not loaded,’ said his father.

‘Indeed, I would do no mischief,’ said Reginald.

‘Let me give you one piece of advice, Reginald,’ said Mr. Mohun, with a mysterious air—­’never make rash promises.’

Lilias was rather disappointed in her hopes that Miss Weston and Claude would become better acquainted.  At dinner the conversation was almost entirely between the elder gentlemen; Claude scarcely spoke, except when referred to by his father or Mr. Devereux.  Miss Weston never liked to incur the danger of having to repeat her insignificant speeches to a deaf ear, and being interested in the discussion that was going on, she by no means seconded Lily’s attempt to get up an under-current of talk.  In general, Lily liked to listen to conversation in silence, but she was now in very high spirits, and could not be quiet; fortunately, she had no interest in the subject the gentlemen were discussing, so that she could not meddle with that, and finding Alethea silent and Claude out of reach, she turned to Reginald, and talked and tittered with him all dinner-time.

In the drawing-room she had it all her own way, and talked enough for all the sisters.

‘Have you heard that Cousin Rotherwood is coming?’

‘Yes, you said so before dinner.’