which Sir Miles described.

"We are proud of you, dear George. We love you, my dear nephew--we all
love you, we are all proud of you--"

"Yes; but I like Harry best," says a little voice.

"--not because you are wealthy! Screwby, take Master Miles to his
governor. Go, dear child. Not because you are blest with great estates
and an ancient name; but because, George, you have put to good use the
talents with which Heaven has adorned you; because you have fought and
bled in your country's cause, in your monarch's cause, and as such are
indeed worthy of the favour of the best of sovereigns. General Lambert,
you have kindly condescended to look in on a country family, and partake
of our unpretending meal. I hope we may see you some day when our
hospitality is a little less homely. Yes, by George, General, you must
and shall name a day when you and Mrs. Lambert, and your dear girls,
will dine with us. I'll take no refusal now, by George I won't," bawls
the knight.

"You will accompany us, I trust, to my drawing-room?" says my lady,
rising.

Mr. Lambert pleaded to be excused; but the ladies on no account would
let dear George go away. No, positively, he should not go. They wanted
to make acquaintance with their cousin. They must hear about that
dreadful battle and escape from the Indians. Tom Claypool came in and
heard some of the story. Flora was listening to it with her handkerchief
to her eyes, and little Miles had just said--

"Why do you take your handkerchief, Flora? You're not crying a bit."

Being a man of great humour, Martin Lambert, when he went home, could
not help entertaining his wife with an account of the new family with
which he had made acquaintance. A certain cant word called humbug had
lately come into vogue. Will it be believed that the General used it to
designate the family of this virtuous country gentleman? He described
the eager hospitalities of the father, the pompous flatteries of the
mother, and the daughters' looks of admiration; the toughness and
security of the mutton, and the abominable taste and odour of the
cordial; and we may be sure Mrs. Lambert contrasted Lady Warrington's
recent behaviour to poor Harry with her present conduct to George.

"Is this Miss Warrington really handsome?" asks Mrs Lambent.

"Yes; she is very handsome indeed, and the most astounding flirt I have
ever set eyes on," replies the General.

"The hypocrite! I have no patience with such people!" cries the lady