"I remember the lecture you once gave me for calling you Fred."
"No doubt. I gave you little else than lectures then; some of them in earnest, some in fun. The lecture you speak of was of the latter description."
"I know how vexed you used to pet with me. You must have hated me very much."
"Wrong, young lady. Had I cared for you less, I should not have lectured you. We don't get vexed with those we dislike. I should lecture you still, if I saw cause to do it."
Georgina laughed. They were again pacing the terrace, for he had placed her arm in his.
"I always believed in you, Georgina, though you did require so much keeping in order. You were as wild a young damsel as I ever wish to see. It is well your mood has changed."
"I dare say you mean to say my manners."
"Call it what you will. I like you best as you are. What's that, shooting up like a bonfire?"
They paused and watched the appearance he spoke of: a flaming light in a distant field.
"I know," cried Georgina. "Old Phipps is burning that dead tree of his. Sir Isaac told him this morning not to let it lie there across the path."