"But he didn't succeed," said the laughing girl, as she conveyed Miss Yard towards the stairs.
As they disappeared George entered the house, and observed to his aunt that the night was warm. Mrs. Drake felt cold towards her nephew, whose letter of appointment had not yet arrived, but she thawed sufficiently to inquire whether he knew anything about the Brocks. George became suspicious, and answered guardedly:
"The old man is a marvel. He cooks the food and keeps the house tidy, and puts in a good day's work as well upon the worst farm in the parish. But the people don't like him much."
"Why not?" demanded Mrs. Drake.
"They think it's queer a man should do a woman's work; and some of them say it's not quite decent."
His voice died away into a gasp of amazement, for that moment Kezia announced Sidney, and that young fellow appeared upon the carpet. George had been about to give him a remarkably good character, but was now disposed to reconsider his decision; especially when Mrs. Drake, after a few preliminary remarks, introduced the name of Nellie. George immediately withdrew to a back window and began to search for flies.
"She is a very good girl, and my sister is wonderfully attached to her," Mrs. Drake resumed.
"Same here," said Sidney promptly.
"I don't know whether you are engaged to her," said Mrs. Drake.
"Well, we don't exactly get engaged. We just walk together until we can get married, and then we do it," exclaimed Sidney.