"And I'm not going to tell you; there are some things we should never agree about, you see," said Trixie. "But what was I going to say. Oh! about showing my colours; no, indeed, I hid them pretty completely. I opened my eyes and stared at papa, and asked him what _could_ make him think so poorly of me; it really distressed me. I knew I had high spirits, but that was a Helmont peculiarity, and would probably cure with time; but as for disregarding the duties of hospitality, etc, etc, when had I ever done so? I didn't know I could have spoken so well, and I looked so innocent--poor old dad, it ended in making him feel rather foolish, I do believe. But he said some nasty things--things I shan't forget in a hurry;" and the girl clenched her hands. "Don't be theatrical," said Mab, scornfully. "Keep to the point. Tell me about this girl, and why you're so excited about her." "I'm not excited about her, I tell you. She's a fool. I would probably never have noticed her if they had let me alone; it's Rex I'm boiling at." "Ah yes, I see, and there I sympathise," said Mabella. "And I have a good fund of dislike to silly little bread-and-butter misses at all times which may come in handy. So the plot thickens, Trixie; it's quite exciting, upon my word. We must be cautious and watchful; first get to know our materials thoroughly. They are arriving to-day, you say, about the usual time?" "Yes, the four o'clock train; that gets them here for tea in the drawing-room. There are several people coming. The young Girards, newly married, you know; but no nonsense about them, and up to any fun. They were both engaged to other people, you remember, and threw them over in the neatest way. And Gerty Custance and her brother, etc, etc." "When is Gerty going to retire; she must be nine-and-twenty?" said Miss Forsyth. But Trixie took no notice beyond an interjected "She's Alicia's friend, not mine," and went on with her list. "So that you see, among so many, it will not be difficult to feel our way. The girl will be frightened out of her wits, and ready to cling to the first that offers. She's never been anywhere, and thinks herself a peerless beauty; and they're not rich, or clever, or anything. _Fancy_ mamma asking such sticks of people!" "And does Major Rex know anything of them? Why is he taking them up in this way?" asked Miss Forsyth. "For no reason in the world except spite--spite at me, and priggishness," said Trixie. Mabella smiled. Her smile was not a pleasant one, and did not, as some smiles do, lighten up or soften her undeniably plain face. "Spite at _you_, Trixie," she said. "Excuse me; you like straightforward speaking, you always say. I scarcely think Major Winchester would give himself the trouble of going out of his way to spite _you_; he doesn't think you worth it." "Thank you," said Beatrix.