'Not one,' I said, laughing; 'and for myself, I would just as soon be without them.'
'We are awfully slow at home just now,' Kenneth said; 'Hugh is as grumpy and cross as two sticks. I dine out whenever I can, and shoot everything I come across in the day-time. I even condescend to rabbits, if there's nothing better on hand. I think we shall have the house pretty full when the girls come back. Amongst other people, Hugh is asking a new crony of his, some scientific fellow whom he raves about.'
'I never heard him rave about anybody or anything!' I remarked.
'It is raving for him, when he tells you that his chum is thought no end of by different celebrities, and that he considers it an honour to have him under our unworthy roof—or words to that effect. Mother will be delighted to have him, as he is unmarried, and has a big estate somewhere.'
'Have you heard from Nelly?' I asked, changing the subject, as I did not like his sneering tone.
'Had a letter from her yesterday; she and Constance are going at it night and day. I say, Goody, how much longer are you going to stay here? Couldn't you tell the aunt you have had enough of it, and come back? It is too slow for anything just now. I promise you some nice little treats if you come. We will go up the river—you and I—and we shall have it all our own way, for there will be nobody to interfere with us.'
'I have promised to stay here till Mrs. Forsyth comes back,' I said.
'Oh, bother your promise! Say you found it too slow, and couldn't stand it any longer.'
'But I don't find it slow,' I said, looking at him full in the face. 'I think I like Miss Rayner's society better than yours.'
Kenneth looked quite taken aback at first, and then we both laughed together.