"I am sure both papa and I are always happy to see Mr M'Corkindale," said Margaret, impressively.
"I am afraid," said I, "that I have interrupted your music: I did not know, M'Corkindale, that you were so eminent a performer."
"I hold with Aristotle," replied Bob modestly, "that music and political economy are at the head of all the sciences. But it is very seldom that one can meet with so accomplished a partner as Miss Binkie."
"Oh, ho!" thought I. But here the entrance of the Provost diverted the conversation, and we all sat down to breakfast. Old Binkie was evidently dying to know the result of my interview on the previous evening, but I was determined to keep him in the dark. Bob fed like an ogre, and made prodigious efforts to be polite.
After breakfast, on the pretext of business we went out for a walk. The economist lighted his cigar.
"Snug quarters these, Dunshunner, at the Provost's."
"Very. But, Bob, things are looking rather well here. I had a negotiation last night which has as good as settled the business."
"I am very glad to hear it—Nice girl, Miss Binkie; very pretty eyes, and a good foot and ankle."
"An unexceptionable instep. What do you think!—I have actually discovered the Clique at last."
"You don't say so! Do you think old Binkie has saved money?"