“What an insult!” thought Aunt Matty. “Did she look like the mother of two great girls?”
In truth, she really did not.
“I am Sir Hampton’s sister,” she said, stiffly—“Miss Matilda Rea.”
A Friendly Call.
There was a pause of the kind that may be called cold for a few moments in Sir Hampton’s drawing-room. Then Trevor spoke—
“I beg pardon, I’m sure,” he said, frankly; “I hope my name is not unknown to you.”
“I think I have heard my brother mention it,” said Aunt Matty, stiffly. “Hush, Pepine I don’t bark!” when, as a matter of course, the dog barked more furiously than before.
“I’ve just come back from sea,” said Trevor, to break the chill.
“Indeed,” said Aunt Matty, freezing a little harder; and added to herself, “A most objectionable person.” Then aloud, “Pepine must not bark so, hush! hush!”