"Well, Mr. Dyke?"
"I feel most favorably inclined, I must confess," replied the old gentleman.
"Ah!" said Sir Percival, in an undertone to Lord Brooking, "d' ye hear that, lad? He must confess."
"I wish you had to, Percy. It would save me trouble."
"Then it is decided?" said Sir Percival, looking triumphantly at his friend.
Dyke hesitated.
"No," he said, "not exactly decided. It now rests with my daughter. If she agrees with me, I will be pleased to do as you have suggested."
"Then Bessie shall say 'Yes,'" responded the baronet.
Chancing to look out the window at this moment, Sir Percival caught a glimpse of a familiar figure passing on a path running near the schoolhouse.
"What, what?" he laughed. "There goes young Farrell. Who is the petticoat in tow?"