"I thought perhaps that our little party had tired you, my dear," said Mrs. Mildmay.
"No, aunt," replied Violet. "It was a very pleasant one," she added, musingly.
"Very, the pleasantest I have participated in for some time," said the captain, with some truth. "I must congratulate you upon having some really agreeable neighbors. The vicar was a most delightful man, and Mr. and Mrs. Giles are most amiable."
"And what did you think of the Dodsons?" asked Mrs. Mildmay, with a half sigh.
"Most agreeable people," replied the captain. "So original and unaffected. The young fellow pleased me exceedingly," and he glanced at Violet, under his dark brows.
"They are quite new friends—acquaintances," said Mrs. Mildmay. "Last night was the first time we have had the pleasure of their company.
"Indeed!" said the captain, with interest. "Newcomers, I suppose?"
"No; they have been here some time," answered Mrs. Mildmay. "They live in the large, red house, the Cedars; perhaps you did not notice it? You can see it from the dining-room windows. They are friends of Violet's making and—and though very agreeable people, still——"
"Still, they are—tallow chandlers," put in Violet, wickedly, "and aunt cannot forgive them."
Captain Murpoint smiled a peculiar smile of conciliation for both the ladies.