endeavouring guardedly to win his way into the good
graces of the younger ladies. They were always ready to listen to him
while he was talking of their brother, whose faults they either had not
discovered, or were willing to overlook. To them, at all events, he was
always affectionate and courteous, whatever he might be to others.

The rest of the household were not altogether so well satisfied with his
dictatorial, overbearing manners, though they acknowledged that he might
be a very brave officer, who would some day prove an ornament to his
profession; but the wish was general, if not expressed, that he would
soon go off again to sea.

Though still feeling angry with Dick for the impertinent and bold way in
which he had spoken to him, he did not forget his promise to replace the
dog he had shot; and as soon as he could find a suitable animal he
despatched it by a groom to Farmer Hargrave's daughter, sending, at the
same time, a note expressing his regret at the accident. It arrived
just as Mr Gooch had left the cottage, and the interview the farmer had
had with the bailiff had not been calculated to soothe his feelings.
Mr Gooch had again threatened him with legal proceedings, and had
accused him of sending his son out of the way to avoid the consequences
of his misdeeds. Farmer Hargrave, of course, denied this, asserting
that he did not know where his son was.

He was standing at the door when the groom, leading the dog, arrived,
and delivered his message from Lord Reginald.

"Tell my lord that my daughter doesn't require a dog. None can replace
the poor brute that was killed, of which she was very fond. So I beg
you'll take it back, and say I am much obliged to him for his
intentions," he said.

"I don't think my lord will be well pleased to hear this, Farmer
Hargrave," answered the man. "He thought he was doing your daughter a
great honour in sending her a dog, but he didn't do it on account of
your son, I've a fancy."

"The very reason why I refused to receive the animal," answered the
farmer. "I have nothing more to say; and the least said the soonest
mended."

"Am I to take this message, then?" asked the groom.

"Yes; I have no other to send. Good day to you," said the farmer,
turning round as if about to enter his house.

The man led off the dog, observing to himself, "The young lord will be
in a pretty way when he hears this; it won't be the better for the
farmer or Master Dick. That young