“I will show them to you with the greatest pleasure, only you must do just what I order you. They are very shy things, you know, almost as shy as somebody----” “Mabel, Mabel, Mab, where are you?” came a loud shout over the crest; and then Gregory’s square shoulders appeared--a most unwelcome spectacle. “Why, here I am to be sure,” she answered; “where else do you suppose I should be? The people must be looked after, I suppose. And if you won’t do it, of course I must.” “I don’t see any people to look after here, except indeed--however, you seem to have looked so hard, it has made you quite red in the face, I declare!” “Now Greg, my boy,” cried Hilary, suddenly coming to the rescue; “I called your sister down here on purpose to tell me what those things in the water are. They look almost like some sort of fish!” “Why trout, Lorraine! Didn’t you know that? I thought that you were a great fisherman. If you like to have a try at them I can fit you out. Though I don’t suppose you could do much in this weather.” “Miss Lovejoy, did you ever taste a trout?” Hilary asked this question, as if not a word had yet passed on the subject. “Oh, yes,” answered Mabel, no less oblivious; “my brother Charles used to catch a good many. They are such a treat to my dear mother, and so good for her constitution. But I don’t think my father appreciates them.” “Allow me to help you up this steep rise. It was most inconsiderate of me to call you down, Miss Lovejoy.” “Pray do not mention it, Mr. Lorraine. Gregory, how rude you are to give Mr. Lorraine all this trouble! But you never were famous for good manners.” “If I meddle with them again,” thought Gregory, “may I be ‘adorned,’ as my father says! However, I must keep a sharp look-out. The girl is getting quite independent; and I,--oh, I am to be nobody! I’ll just go and see what Phyllis thinks of it.” But Mabel, who had not forgiven him yet for his insolent remark about her cheeks, deprived him of even that comfort. “Now Gregory dear, you have done nothing all day but wander about with cousin Phyllis. Just stay here for a couple of hours; if you can’t work yourself, your looking on will make the other people work. I am quite ashamed of my inattention to Mr. Lorraine all the afternoon. I am sure he must want a glass of ale, after all he has gone through. And while he takes it, I may be finding Charlie’s tackle for him. I know where it is, and you do not. And Charlie left it especially under my charge, you remember.” “That is the first I have heard of it. However, if Lorraine wants beer, why so do I. Send Phyllis out with a jug for me.” “Yes, to be sure, dear. To be sure. How delighted she will be to come!” “As delighted as you are to go,” he replied; but she was already out of hearing; and all he took for his answer was an indignant look from Hilary.