"If you will allow me, Ash, I'll manage this myself."
"Delighted, my dear fellow, I am sure!"
"I fancy I am the person principally concerned."
"Quite so, quite so!"
"If you will leave me alone with Miss Truscott, I've no doubt that in a few minutes we shall understand each other very well indeed."
"I'm sure you will! I feel quite sure you will!"
Mr. Ash's tone was cheerful--Mr. Ely felt that it was even exasperatingly cheerful. Advancing, he laid his hand upon his ward's well-rounded arm.
"Mind you behave yourself," he told her. Then he left the room.
"Lily," said Mrs. Clive, when Mr. Ash had gone, "I trust you will do credit to the precepts which I have so constantly, and I hope conscientiously, endeavoured to instil into your mind, and that I shall not have cause to blush for my own sister's child."
Then Mrs. Clive went after Mr. Ash, and the two were left alone.