himself opposite to Mr. Rushton, who was
looking at Verty with a grim smile.

"Kick away just as you please, my young savage," said that gentleman,
"and don't mind this stuff from Roundjacket, who don't know civilized
from Indian character. Do just as you choose."

"May I?" said Verty.

"Am I to repeat everything?"

"Well, sir, I choose to have a holiday this morning."

"Hum!"

"You said I might do as I wanted to, and I want to go and take a
ride."

"Well, go then--much of a lawyer you'll ever make."

Verty laughed, and turning towards Longears, called him. But Longears
hesitated--looking with the most profound astonishment at his master.

"He don't know me!" said the young man, laughing; "I don't think he'll
hunt if I wear these, sir."

But Mr. Rushton had retired, and Verty only heard a door slam.

He rose.

"I'm going to see Redbud, Mr. Roundjacket," he said, "and I think
she'll like my dress--good-bye."

Roundjacket only replied by flourishing his ruler.

Verty put on his cocked hat, admired himself for an instant in the
mirror over the fire-place, and went out humming his eternal Indian
song. Five minutes afterwards he was on his way to see Redbud,
followed dubiously by Longears, who evidently had not made up his mind
on the subject of his master's identity.

In order to explain the reception which Verty met with, it will be
necessary to precede him.

CHAPTER XVIII.

HOW MISS LAVINIA DEVELOPED HER THEORIES UPON MATRIMONY.

The Apple Orchard carriage, containing the solemn Miss Lavinia, very
soon arrived at the abode of old Scowley, as our friend Verty was
accustomed to call the respectable preceptress of Miss Redbud; and
Miss Lavinia descended and entered with solemn dignity.

Miss Sallianna and herself exchanged elaborate curtseys, and Miss
Lavinia sailed into the pleasant sylvan parlor and took her seat
reverely.

"Our dear little girls are amusing themselves this morning," said
Miss Sallianna, inclining her head upon one shoulder, and raising her
smiling eyes toward the ceiling; "the youthful mind, my dear madam,
requires relaxation, and we do not force it."

Miss Lavinia uttered a dignified "hem," and passed her handkerchief
solemnly over her lips.

"In this abode of the graces and rural sublunaries," continued Miss
Sallianna, gently flirting her fan, "our young friends seem to lead a
very happy life."

"Yes--I suppose so."

"Indeed, madam, I may say the time passes fo