'You will have a very pleasant time, I hope.'
'Oh, I daresay it will be pleasant enough; the house will be full of company—at least, Hackett says so. His people are very hospitable.'
'Are there any daughters?'
'Oh yes; there are three girls—the three Graces, as they were called when they came up to Commemoration.'
'Indeed; were they so handsome?'
'Some of our men thought so,' with a fine air of indifference. 'I know Baker was smitten with one of them; it is going to be a match, I believe. That is Henrietta, the eldest.'
'I suppose she was the handsomest?'
'Oh dear no! Miss Laura is far better looking; and so is the youngest, Miss Frances. In my opinion Miss Frances is far more taking than either of her sisters.'
'Oh, indeed! I think you will have a pleasant time, Mr. Blake.'
'Well, I cannot say I am looking forward to it. I am afraid it will be rather a bore than otherwise. I would much rather go on working.'