“He seems to understand my constitution better than anyone I have ever been to.”
“Bah!” ejaculated her brother. “He is only an apprentice to his trade. Mark my words: he’ll poison you one of these days by making experiments upon you.”
“Really, my dear, you shouldn’t. I’m sure Neil has too much respect for his aunt to be so wicked,” said the lady, going on with her breakfast very composedly. “I hope he will soon cure Maria, though, and send her back. I do miss her sadly.”
“Humph!” grumbled Mr Elthorne; “that’s why you were so late, I suppose.”
“No, Ralph. Alison, my dear, give me a bit of that toast that is soaked in gravy; thank you, my dear. I do not say that; I know I am late this morning, but I do miss her very much. But I thought you people were going out riding.”
“So we are,” said Alison.
Aunt Anne turned to her niece.
“Oh, I can soon put on my riding habit, Auntie. A little more sugar?”
“Well, yes, just a very little more, my dear; thank you. Ralph, I hope you will be careful over that new horse.”
“Why?” said Mr Elthorne, sharply; and Aunt Anne prattled on.