"A tremendous agreeable man, Sir Jekyl--don't you think so, Jennie?" said General Lennox to his wife, as he walked her slowly along the terrace at the side of the house. "I think him intolerably noisy, and sometimes absolutely vulgar," answered Lady Jane, with a languid disdain, which conveyed alike her estimate of her husband's discernment and of Sir Jekyl's merits. "Well, I thought he was agreeable. Some of his jokes I think, indeed, had not much sense in them. But sometimes I don't see a witty thing as quick as cleverer fellows do, and they were all laughing, except you; and I don't think you like him, Jennie." "I don't dislike him. I dare say he's a very worthy soul; but he gives me a headache." "He _is_ a little bit noisy, maybe. Yes, he certainly _is_," acquiesced the honest General, who in questions of taste and nice criticism, was diffident of his own judgment, and leaned to his wife's. "But I thought he was rather a pleasant fellow. I'm no great judge; but I like to see fellows laughing, and that sort of thing. It looks good-humoured, don't you think?" "I hate good-humour," said Lady Jane. The General, not knowing exactly what to say next, marched by her side in silence, till Lady Jane let go his arm, and sat down on the rustic seat which commands so fine a view, and, leaning back, eyed the landscape with a dreamy indolence, as if she was going to "cut" it. The General scanned it with a military eye, and his reconnoitering glance discerned, coming up the broad walk at his right, their host, with pretty Mrs. Maberly on his arm, doing the honours plainly very agreeably. On seeing the General and Lady Jane, he smiled, quickened his pace, and raised his hat. "So glad we have found you," said he. "Charming weather, isn't it? _You_ must determine, Lady Jane, what's to be done to-day. There are two things you really ought to see--Gryston Bridge and Hazelden Castle. I assure you the great London artists visit both for studies. We'll take our luncheon there, it's such a warm, bright day--that is, if you like the plan--and, which do you say?" "My husband always votes for me. What does Mrs. Maberly say?" and Lady Jane looked in her face with one of her winning smiles. "Yes, what does Mrs. Maberly say?" echoed the General, gallantly. "So you won't advise?" said the Baronet, leaning toward Lady Jane, a little reproachfully. "I won't advise," she echoed, in her indolent way. "Which is the best?" inquired Mrs. Maberly, gleefully. "What a charming idea!" "For my part, I have a headache, you know, Arthur--I told you, dear; and I shall hardly venture a long excursion, I think. What do you advise to-day?" "Well, I think it might do you good--hey? What do _you_ say, Sir Jekyl?"