'There ith to be an oxth roathed for the poor people, and tea on the lawn, and a ball in the evening, you know, colonel.'
'Oh, yes, I am looking forwards to that, and to the first dance. Remember you promised me.'
'Oh, yeth, I am thure of plenty of partnerth.'
'I should imagine so. We men must have very bad taste if we let you sit down. Did you walk here this morning?'
'No, I rode. The hortheth are taken round. I have been here a long time with Freda. It ith thuch a nice morning, ithn't it, Colonel Vaughan?'
'Delightful! What do you mean to do when you are your own mistress? I quite fancy how grand you will feel when you have struck the magic hour.'
'I darethay I thall be jutht the thame, unleth I get married.'
Freda glances up, and perceives a smile of amusement on Colonel Vaughan's lips, and the usual calm inanity on Miss Nugent's handsome features.
'That will depend on yourself, I am sure,' said the colonel.
Freda looks again, and sees the colonel's magnificent eyes fixed on the young lady, who returns his glance, and simpers out,—