“I trust it was a call to take leave.”
“No, he thinks he shall sell out, for the army is a great nuisance.”
“You seem to have got into his confidence.”
“Yes, he said he wanted to settle down, but living with one’s father was such a nuisance.”
“By the bye,” cried Ethel, laughing, “Margaret, it strikes me that this is a Dumbiedikes’ courtship!”
“Of yourself?” said Margaret slyly.
“No, of Flora. You know, she has often met him at the Grange and other places, and she does contrive to amuse him, and make him almost animated. I should not think he found her a great nuisance.”
“Poor man! I am sorry for him!” said Margaret.
“Oh! rejection will be very good for him, and give him something to think of.”
“Flora will never let it come to that,” said Margaret. “But not one word about it, Ethel!”