said, as he
waited impatiently--the "directly" of Edward, who had announced that Sir
Hampton was in the garden and would come, having extended to ten
minutes.

"Hang the formality of these things!" said Trevor. "I could talk to
that dear little woman, Lady Rea, by the hour without feeling
uncomfortable; but as to pater--well, there; it's only once in a man's
life. Here he is."

The door leading into a farther passage opened this moment, and Trevor
rose; but instead of encountering fierce Sir Hampton, in skipped petite
Fin, to run up to him flushed and excited, but with her eyes sparkling
with pleasure.

She placed both her little hands in his, and her words came in hurried
jerks, as she exclaimed--

"Tiny told me all about it--last night--Oh, I'm so glad!"

"That's right, little fairy," laughed Trevor, smiling down on the
pleasant little _face_.

"But there's been such a rumpus, and I came to tell you before pa came."

"Indeed," said Trevor, retaining the little hands, though there was no
effort made to remove them.

"Yes, pa's been raging and bullying poor Tiny so. Those friends of
yours came and proposed for us, and papa said they might come, and he is
horribly cross about it. But you won't give way?"

"Do I look as if I would?" said Trevor.

"No; and I am glad, because I think you do like Tiny."

"Like?"

"Well, love her, then. Ma likes you, too."

"And little Fin?"

"There's little Fin's answer," said the girl, with tears in her eyes,
and she held up her face and kissed him with quiet gravity. "Oh, let me
go," she cried, and she struggled from his arms and fled, leaving him to
turn round and face Sir Hampton and Aunt Matty, who had entered by the
other door.

"What does this mean, sir?" exclaimed Sir Hampton, furiously. "Er-rum!
I am astounded!"

"Merely, Sir Hampton, that your daughter was willing to accord to me the
licence that she would to a brother."

Aunt Matty was heard to mutter something about vulgar assurance, and
Trevor flushed as Sir Hampton motioned him to a chair, took one, and
crossed his legs; but he was determined not to be angry, and he went
on--

"Our meetings, so far, Sir Hampton, have been unfortunate, and I have
come over this morning to try and set myself at one with you. I presume
I am to speak before Miss Rea?"

"My sister is in my confidence, and is my adviser," said Sir Hampton, in
the tone he had prepared for the magisterial bench.

"Then, Sir Hampton,