“Oh, mamma, dear, it’s only Fin’s nonsense,” said Tiny. “Humphrey is a very respectful, worthy young fellow, and he climbed up the big rocks down by Penreife for us, and got us some of those beautiful little aspleniums we couldn’t reach.”
“Yes, ma, dear,” said Finetta; “and he says that the next time he writes to his old aunt in Wales, he’ll tell her to send some of the beautiful little rare ferns that grow up on one of the mountains, in a place that nearly broke my teeth when I tried to say it.”
Lady Rea shook her head at her daughter, who rattled on.
“Well, you know about Penreife belonging to Lieutenant Trevor?”
Lady Rea nodded.
“Well, Humphrey’s got orders to go to town to meet his master, who has been on a cruise round the world, and his ship’s paid off, and now he’s going to settle at home.”
“Who’s going to settle at home?” inquired Sir Hampton.
“Lieutenant Trevor.”
“Ah! a sailor person, and rough, I suppose—sailors always are,” said Sir Hampton.
“Yes,” cried Finetta, “they haul in slack, and cry ‘Avast!’ at you, and ‘shiver my timbers!’ But, I say—I like sailors; I shall set my cap at him.”