"Well, Hazeldean, it is time he should know something about the County."
"Ay, and History too," said Mrs Dale, malevolently—for the little temper was by no means blown over.
Frank.—"I'll not hurt it, I assure you, sir. But I'm very much interested just at present."
The Captain, putting down the cards to cut.—"You've got hold of that passage about Botham Hall, page 706, eh?"
Frank.—"No; I was trying to make out how far it is to Mr Leslie's place, Rood Hall. Do you know, mother?"
Mrs Hazeldean.—"I can't say I do. The Leslies don't mix with the county; and Rood lies very much out of the way."
Frank.—"Why don't they mix with the county?"
Mrs Hazeldean.—"I believe they are poor, and therefore I suppose they are proud: they are an old family."
Parson, thrumming on the table with great impatience.—"Old fiddledee!—talking of old families when the cards have been shuffled this half hour!"
Captain Barnabas.—"Will you cut for your partner, ma'am?"