"And me, sir!" said Fanny.
"You?" said Verty, smiling.
"Yes, sir; I suppose it would do for me?"
"I don't know."
"Hum!"
"I can tell you, dear," said Ralph, "and I assure you the thing would not answer under any circumstances. Come, let us follow Miss Redbud."
They all thanked the smiling old dame, and issuing from the cottage, took their way through the sparkling fields and along the wet paths toward home again. They reached the Bower of Nature just at twilight, and entering through the garden were about to pass in, when they were arrested by a spectacle on the rear portico, which brought a smile to every lip.
Mr. Jinks was on his knees before Miss Sallianna there.