“Er-rum, I have at last,” said Sir Hampton, pompously, “received public recognition of my position. My dears, I have been placed upon the bench, and am now one of the county magistracy.”
He looked round for the applause which should follow.
“Well, my dear, I’m sure I’m very glad if it pleases you,” said Lady Rea. “Matty, give me another poached egg.”
“It was quite time they did, Hampton,” said Miss Matilda.
“I congratulate you, papa, dear,” said Valentina, going up to him and kissing him; “and I’m sure the poor will be glad to have so kind a magistrate to deal with them.”
“Thank you, Tiny—thank you,” said Sir Hampton, smiling, and trying to look every inch a magistrate, before turning to his second daughter, who was intent upon a turkey drumstick.
“But I say, pa, what fun it will be!” she said at last; “you’ll have to sit on the poachers.”
“Yes, the scoundrels!” said Sir Hampton, and his cravat crackled.
“And send all the poor old women to quod for picking sticks.”
“To where?” exclaimed Miss Matilda, in horrified tones.