'Things pass the acorn stage, you know,' she said, laughing a little.
'Yes. Do you remember my having once had the honour to remark to you, that I objected to be treated as an old guardian?'
'No,' said Hazel,'you asked me if I expected to do it. But perhaps that meant the same thing in those days.'
'Perhaps it did. What do you think of it in these days?'
Hazel made a sudden transition.
'Will you like to come and go chestnutting in these woods, Mr. Rollo? The Powders all say that I promised them such a day, though I am sure I do not remember it.'
'I don't remember it,' said Rollo lazily.
'As you were not here when I am said to have made the promise, I do not see how you should. But it is needful I should ask you, or Mr. Falkirk will askas he did once before upon you non- appearanceif you have offended me.'
'Is the day fixed?'
'No. But they say I have promised.'