At this Aurea laughed and the chauffeur smiled; he was now walking alongside of Miss Aurea, as much at his ease as if he were a gentleman! Norris turned on him abruptly, and said-- “Look here, young man, you’d better be getting on--it’s your supper-time, and Mother Hogben won’t keep it hot for you.” “It’s very good of you to think of my supper,” he replied, with a touch of hauteur; “but I’m not in any hurry.” He spoke to her as her superior; his was the voice and air of the ruling and upper class, and Norris’ dislike to the insolent young ne’er-do-well suddenly flared into active hatred. Meanwhile, he walked with them to the very end of the lane, and opened the side gate for Miss Morven and herself; and as he held it, he took off his cap to Miss Aurea and said-- “Good-night--miss.” As mistress and maid crossed the lawn, the latter burst out-- “I can’t abide that young fellow, with his fine manners and his taking off his cap like a lord! Miss Aurea dear, I’m thinking the Rector would not be too well pleased to see you in the lanes a-walking out like any village girl along of your aunts’ chauffeur.” “Norris, how dare you speak to me in such a way!” cried Aurea passionately. And yet, why be furious? She _had_ been “a-walking out” precisely like any other country girl. “Well, well, well, dearie, don’t be angry. I’m only giving you a hint for your good, and I know you are a real lady, as proud as proud, and as high-minded as a queen or an angel. Still and all, I’m mighty glad that none of our _talkers_ happened to come across you!” CHAPTER XXV LADY KESTERS AT THE DRUM