'I wonder what made him so!' said Ethel, musingly.
'Looking at Tom,' returned Aubrey, not in jest.
'Even with that advantage, I don't quite see where he learnt that refined consideration.'
'Pshaw, Ethel! The light of nature would show that to any one but a stupex.'
Ethel was not sorry that such were Aubrey's views of courtesy, but all thought of that subject was soon lost in the pursuit of ammonites.
'I wonder what Leonard will have picked up now?' they speculated, as they turned homewards with their weighty baskets, but what was their amazement, when Leonard waved his hand, pointing to the little black dog again at his feet!
'She is mine!' he exclaimed, 'my own! Mrs. Gisborne has given her to me; and she is to be the happiest little mite going!'
'Given!'
'Yes. She came as soon as you were gone, and sat by me, and talked for an hour, but she goes to-morrow to live with an old hag of an aunt.'
'Really, you seem to have been on confidential terms.'