THE CAPTAIN (putting down the cards to cut).—“You’ve got hold of that passage about Botham Hall, page 706, eh?”
FRANK.—“No; I was trying to make out how far it is to Mr. Leslie’s place, Rood Hall. Do you know, Mother?”
MRS. HAZELDEAN.—“I can’t say I do. The Leslies don’t mix with the county; and Rood lies very much out of the way.”
FRANK.—“Why don’t they mix with the county?”
MRS. HAZELDEAN.—“I believe they are poor, and therefore I suppose they are proud; they are an old family.”
PARSON (thrumming on the table with great impatience).—“Old fiddle-dee!—talking of old families when the cards have been shuffled this half-hour!”
CAPTAIN BARNABAS.—“Will you cut for your partner, ma’am?”
SQUIRE (who has been listening to Frank’s inquiries with a musing air).—“Why do you want to know the distance to Rood Hall?”
FRANK (rather hesitatingly).—“Because Randal Leslie is there for the holidays, sir.”
PARSON.—“Your wife has cut for you, Mr. Hazeldean. I don’t think it was quite fair; and my partner has turned up a deuce,—deuce of hearts. Please to come and play, if you mean to play.”