'You are a very considerate miss,' said William; 'but, at all events, we cannot afford any free place for tigers in this country. So come, dear father, let us have guns, and go with you and Mr. Stanhope, for I am sure neither of you intend to stay cooped up here. I promise to be under orders, and not move an inch in any way without permission.'
'And I make the same promise,' said Frederick eagerly.
'And I can answer for both,' said Mr. Stanhope warmly, 'that neither of those young gentlemen will fail to keep his word.'
'Thank you, dear sir,' said the youths in the same breath.
'Mother, grandmother, you don't wish us to stay here,' said William; 'you would not like to see us milk-sops?'
'Certainly not, my dears,' said the dowager. 'While you move under your father's directions your mother and I can have nothing to fear. Courage is a virtue indispensible in a man and a gentleman, and like other virtues is confirmed by exercise. You need not walk into the tiger's mouth, you know; but if you find him likely to do mischief, and you can prevent it, I hope you will retain your self-possession so as to make sure aim, and pull your trigger firmly.'
'Never fear, grandmother; never fear, dear mother,' cried the youths.
'Good-bye, Bill; good-bye, Freddy,' said all the sisters.
'Now, father, shall we go?'
'What say you, Mr. Stanhope,' asked the baronet, 'will you make a sortie with us.'