“Don’t be a great goose!” she said. “Only don’t think that I am going to agree with you in everything. That would be far too dull and copy-booky. And don’t think I imagine you perfect. I should hate you most cordially if you were.” “What are my faults?” “Do you think I could tell you the whole list in a single evening? No, sir. Some day, when I am more than usually annoyed with you, I will begin early and read out a chapter of them. Till then, I’ll bear with the lot. Tell me some more about this place in Kent.” “I have told you all I know. If you like the idea, we might run down to-morrow and see it ourselves, before we finally decide on the purchase. The only thing is about the price. You know I’m a tolerably well-off man, dear, but there are limits to my capital, and most of it is well locked up. Of course this place has to be paid for in cash, which is the reason for its going so cheap.” “Well?” “Well, I am afraid that alone it would not be wise for me to purchase it. But then one cannot get over the fact that you are an heiress—excuse my being unromantic and practical—and we are presumably not going to live on my income only. And so, if the house and its grounds should suit us, I was wondering whether you would feel disposed——” “Oh, my dear child, how you do beat about the bush! Of course I’ll help buy the place if we like it. Why shouldn’t I? There’s heaps of money, and there’s no earthly reason why we shouldn’t use it.” “But will the trustees let you have it?” “I’m not of age for another year, but the trustees have discretionary power. At least, Mr. Shelf has, and he never thwarts me in anything. I believe he’d do anything for me. He is really the kindest man. If you like, Hamilton, I’ll see him about it before he goes out to-morrow morning.” “I think that will be best, dear. You see, in the present state of the offer, one has to rush things.” “How much am I to ask him for?” “Fifteen thousand pounds would do. I can manage the rest.” “Oh, he’ll let me have that without any trouble at all. I’m sure of it. And if the other trustee was awkward, he’d advance it to me for the year out of his own pocket. Listen, there’s the music going again. Aren’t you going to dance with me to-night, Hamilton?” “Ye-es, a waltz, or anything like that. But they’re playing that abominable barn-dance. I think it’s idiotic. Makes such a show of one’s self. Let’s sit it out here.” “Not I. I love the barn-dance. I do it well, and I dress for it. Consequently, my dear boy, I’m not going to miss it. You needn’t kick up _your_ heels unless you like, but I warn you I’m going to disport myself. Come along, and take me down-stairs. There now! you’ve ruffled my hair again.” “Come along, then,” said Fairfax. “You can knock over my worst prejudices. I’ll dance two barn-dances with you if I get the opportunity.” CHAPTER V. BIMETALLISM.