“And when are we to learn, Mary,” said Emma.
“I’ll teach you, cousins,” said Alfred, “and give a lesson to my honoured mother.”
“Well, we’ll all learn,” replied Mrs Campbell.
“What’s to be done to-morrow, Martin?” said Alfred.
“Why, sir, there are boards enough to make a fishing-punt, and if you and Mr Henry will help me, I think we shall have one made in two or three days. The lake is full of fish, and it’s a pity not to have some while the weather is so fine.”
“I’ve plenty of lines in the store-room,” said Mr Campbell.
“Master Percival would soon learn to fish by himself,” said Martin, “and then he’ll bring as much as Master John.”
“Fish!” said John with disdain.
“Yes, fish, Master John,” replied Martin; “a good hunter is always a good fisherman, and don’t despise them, for they often give him a meal when he would otherwise go to sleep with an empty stomach.”
“Well, I’ll catch fish with pleasure,” cried Percival, “only I must sometimes go out hunting.”