"Capital, Melicent darling!" was Mrs. Cooper's honeyed sting; "you are quite a lesson to us all in overcoming unfortunate tendencies! I always quote you to anybody who complains to me of children that are difficult to manage."
Lancelot was out of earshot when this amenity was uttered; but Mr. Helston heard it, and, being unregenerate, hit back.
"Talking of children that are difficult to manage," he said, "what news have you of George?"
"A most amusing letter," promptly replied the vicar, who was always ready, with armour girt on, to defend his own. "He gives a capital account of the colonial method of pooling labour for harvesting purposes. Had you that custom among the Boers, Millie?"
"I don't know," said Melicent. "Ask Captain Brooke."
"Brooke's gone back to town," said Helston. "He went off last night on his motor. He is going to take it to Clunbury by road."
"Oh," said Millie, "I wish he had taken me! Travelling all night too! I should have enjoyed it!"
"Oh," cried her aunt, "we must really tell Mr. Burmester this! You must remember, Melicent darling, that you are appropriated now. It would never do to make Mr. Burmester jealous."
"Really, Aunt Minna," said Melicent disgustedly, "one would think you were the under-housemaid."
She walked away, with her head in the air, after this unpardonable speech, and told Lancelot that she could not stand Fransdale now that she was engaged; they must go back to town at once.