“That’s true. Some of the quality are very short of money; the Mulligans, of Carlane, have sold all their old silver and pictures, and the young ladies do lace-work for the shops. I liked the lace-work myself, but I hadn’t the time for it. I might do it now, I’m idle.” “Yes, and you seem to be getting on pretty well, and more at your ease.” “I’m not so flustered and awkward with you, or with the poor, or Tito; it’s only with Lady Mulgrave and the servants I feel that small, ye might put me in your pocket!” “You will outgrow that by-and-by.” “I’m awfully afraid of my maid; she is very _nosey_ with me, and that’s the truth.” “Then send her away, and get another. You must try and be more self-assured. Do you know that next week you will have to stand alone, for I’m going to the north of England on election business, and will be away a week.” “Oh, father, couldn’t you take _me_ too? I just love elections!” “No, my dear--impossible.” “Oh, I wish you would. I’d adore the election and the speechifying, and the fun. We had one down in Glenveigh; they nearly tore one another to flittergigs.” “That must have been exciting. I’m afraid I could not promise you anything of that description. It will be rather a good thing to leave you to stand alone and rely on yourself. After I return, I intend to take you over to France to see the Hernoncourts. I have promised that you shall pay them a long visit.” “I wonder if they will like me?” “I daresay they will, for you have inherited the Hernoncourts’ face, and disposition.” “What is their disposition?” “Gay, vivacious, impulsive, sensitive to kindness or ridicule. There is not much of the Mulgrave in you.” “Oh, what a pity. Is Dudley more of a Mulgrave?” “Yes. Do you and he hit it off?” “Oh, pretty well; he is slow.” “But sure.” “Perhaps _too_ sure!” “What do you mean?” “He takes much for granted--sometimes I fancy he takes _me_ for granted”--she added with a mischievous smile. “Now, father, let me race Rap to the little white gate, giving me a start. You must hold him.” “What a child she was!” thought the earl, as he held the struggling dog--a child in some ways; but in others, her sayings were beyond his comprehension. CHAPTER XXVII Joseline and Tito stood together in a window watching the departure of Lord Mulgrave. Last words and farewells had been exchanged in the hall, and the girls had ample time to return to the library before the brougham travelled out of sight. As its polished blue panels disappeared round a clump of trees Tito suddenly flung her arms round her companion and exclaimed-- “Hurrah!” “Tito!” she remonstrated, thrusting her back with angry force. “Well, Joe, you know as well as I do how fond I am of the pater; but--when the earl’s away, the family will play--bridge.” “So you do now.”