"Away from the farm, eh?" thought Cyril. "All right, old friend." Then aloud, "Whichever way you please, sir." "I didn't know things had gone so far as this," continued the Churchwarden, leading the way. "People say that you are the idlest chap in these parts; but it seems to me that, with the work thou likest, thou canst be as busy as the best." Cyril flushed a little, and bit his lip, for he told himself that he was a gentleman, and the farmer was making far too free in his way of address; but he checked his annoyance, and said quietly-- "Perhaps, sir, you will kindly explain what you mean." Then, after a furtive glance at the stern, angry-looking man, he muttered to himself-- "You dare not strike me; and, as to your words, say what you like-- little Sage is mine." "Now, sir," exclaimed Sage's uncle, after a few moments' pause, "will you have the goodness to explain the meaning of the scene I have just witnessed?" "Explain, sir?" said Cyril, coolly; "surely it needs no explanation. I am young, and of one sex; Miss Portlock is young and of the other sex, and a mutual attachment has sprung up." "Mutual!" "Well, yes; I hope so, sir. Perhaps, though, I ought to be content with alluding to my own feelings." "Humph! Your own feelings, eh? And pray does Mr Cyril Mallow mean to say that he has become attached to my niece?" "Certainly he does, sir. You are not surprised?" "But I am surprised," said the farmer, angrily, "and I am very glad to have witnessed what I did before the mischief went further. Now, look here, Mr Cyril Mallow, I am a man of business, and when I have an unpleasant matter to tackle I go straight to it at once." "A very good plan," said Cyril, calmly. "I'm glad you think so, sir," said the Churchwarden, ironically. "And now, if you please, we'll walk straight up to the rectory." "What for?" cried Cyril, who was startled by his words. "What for? Why to talk this matter over with your father." "But suppose he does not approve of the engagement, Mr Portlock?" said Cyril, who was taken somewhat aback by this very prompt way of treating the affair. "Approve? Whoever thought he would approve, sir? Of course he does not, any more than I do. What I want is for you to be given to understand in a quiet way that it is time you gave up visiting at my place, and hanging about to catch sight of my little girl, when she is leaving or going to the school." "Mr Portlock!" exclaimed Cyril, haughtily. "Mr Cyril Mallow!" cried the Churchwarden. "Now just look here, sir. If I were one of your set, should you be making approaches to my niece in the way you have? Not you: it would not be considered proper. Aunt's and uncle's consent would be asked first; but as I'm only a farmer, I'm hardly worth notice. It seems that my little lassie has taken your fancy, and so you come running after her; but not a word to me." "But hear me a minute," protested Cyril.