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."