Breakfast in a country house is usually a protracted and elastic meal. The "jackeens," whose habits were tolerably active, came down in good time, but the London young gentlemen dropped in, one later than another, gorgeously apparelled, cool, composed, hungry, obviously proud of being up and dressed at eleven o'clock, A.M.
Miss Norah whispered to Satanella that "she didn't like dandies, and dandies didn't like her!"
Looking in the girl's bright, handsome face, the latter proposition seemed to Miss Douglas wholly untenable.
"What sort of people do you like, dear?" said she, in answer to the former.
"The army," replied Miss Norah, with great animation. "And the cavalry, ye know—they're beautiful; but a man must have something besides a fine uniform to please me."
"What more can you want?" asked Blanche, with a smile.
"Well, a good seat on his horse, now," laughed the other, "that's the first thing, surely, and a good temper, and a good nerve, and a pleasant smile in his face, when everything goes wrong."
"You're thinking of somebody in particular," said Blanche.
"I am," answered Miss Norah boldly, though with a rising blush. "I'm thinking of somebody I should wish my brothers to be like—that I should wish to be like myself. He's never puzzled; he's never put out. Let the worst happen that will, he knows what to do, and how to do it—a fair face, a brave spirit, and a kind heart!"
She raised her voice, for the subject seemed to interest her deeply. Some of the guests looked up from their breakfasts, and the General listened with a smile.