"Hume's quite a good fellow," he declared; "quiet, you know, and rather sarcastic, but quite a gentleman. And Miss Fane--I say, have you seen her, Colonel?" "By the way, who is Miss Fane?" asked the Squire. "Oh, she acts, or sings, or something. Awfully jolly girl, and uncommon pretty. Don't you think so, Squire?" "Yes, I did, Harry. But why is she staying there?" "Really, Delane," said the Colonel, "what possible business is that of yours?" "I've called on Bannister, and he's going to return my call. I think it's a good deal of business of mine." "Well!" exclaimed the Colonel; "for sheer uncharitableness and the thinking of all evil, give me a respectable Christian man like yourself, Delane." "Oh, it's all right," said Sir Harry cheerfully. "The old lady, Mrs. What's-her-name, is there." "I hope it is," said the Squire. "Bannister has himself to thank for any suspicions which may be aroused." "Suspicions? Bosh!" said the Colonel. "They are all coming to dine with me to-morrow. I met Bannister and asked him. He said he had friends, and I told him to bring the lot. Will you and Mrs. Delane come, Squire?" "My wife's away, thanks." "Then bring Janet." "Hum! I think I'll wait." "Oh, as you please. You'll come, Harry?" Sir Harry was delighted to come. "Tora was most anxious to know them," the Colonel continued, "and I hate ceremonious ways. There'll be nobody else, except the Doctor and his wife." "You haven't asked Hedger and Johnstone, have you?" inquired the Squire. "They're friends of Bannister's. I met them at his house." "I haven't, but I don't know why I shouldn't." "Still you won't," said Sir Harry, with a laugh. The Colonel knew that he would not, and changed the subject. * * * * * "This is a great occasion," said Philip Hume at afternoon tea next day. "To-night we are to be received into county society." "Is Colonel Smith 'county society'?" asked Nellie. "Yes. The Mayor told me so. The Colonel is a Radical, and a bad one at that, but the poor man comes of good family and is within the toils." "I expect he really likes it," said Nellie, "I should." "Are you nervous?" inquired Philip. Nellie laughed and colored. "I really am a little. I hope I shall behave properly. Mother is in a dreadful state." "Where is Mrs. Hodge?" "Putting some new lace on her gown." "And Dale?" "He's writing. Mr. Hume, has he told you anything about his visit yesterday?" "Yes. He says he met an angel." "Oh, that accounts for the title." "What title?" "Why, I went and looked over his shoulder, and saw he was beginning some verses, headed, 'To a Pretty Saint.' I always look, you know, but this time he snatched the paper away." "'To a Pretty Saint'? Dear, dear! Perhaps he meant you, Nellie." Miss Fane shook her head. "He meant Miss Delane, I'm sure," she said dolefully. "I hope Miss Smith is just exactly a county young lady--you know what I mean. I want to see one."