“Not it, aunty; I’m growing—ain’t I, ma, dear?”
“Well, my love, I think you are filling out—not growing.”
“Oh, but, ma,” laughed Fin, with her mouth full, “I’m not going to be round and plump like you are, am I?”
“Fin!” exclaimed her sister, from the other side of the table.
“Oh, ma knows I don’t mean any harm; don’t you, dear? It’s only my fun, isn’t it? I shouldn’t mind—I should like to be such a soft, loving old dear; shouldn’t I?”
“Hush, hush, hush!” exclaimed Lady Rea. “I do think, though, aunty, a walk would do you good before breakfast.”
“Perhaps it might do you good, too,” said Miss Matilda, with some asperity.
“Er-rum, er-rum!” ejaculated Sir Hampton, laying down a big blue official envelope. “Lady Rea—my dears, I have something to communicate.”
He sat back in his chair, and brushed a few crumbs from his buff waistcoat.
“Well, pa, dear, what is it?” said Lady Rea, out of her tea-cup.