"I put him on his way," she remarked, subsequently; "you were all so taken up with Aunt Charlotte's people that poor Mr. Butts was utterly neglected, and could not get any one even to say 'Good-bye' to him. So I killed two birds with one stone. Turned him civilly out of doors, and kept myself in my objectionable get-up out of the reach of Aunt Charlotte's scathing tongue. Do you know, I really believe she hardly saw me. I am sure she did not take me in at all." "She inquired where you had gone, Leo?" "Did she? The old cat--I beg her pardon. But what business was it of hers where I had gone? Father," continued Leo, reverting to a trick whose value was tried and true, "you looked so dumfoundered, poor father, and were so completely taken possession of by--by an octopus,"--she paused to see how this was taken, and at his smile proceeded,--"that said I to myself: 'You're not wanted here, neither is friend George; you are both _de trop_: be off with you, and it will clear the field'. That was all right, wasn't it?" "Hum--I suppose so. I never saw you go." "The octopus had you fast. She adores her William--when she does not forget all about him." The general grinned appreciatively. "She certainly does not favour us with much of her company; we're not fine enough for her. It was at your marriage, I believe, she was here last. Sue," turning to her, "wasn't it at Leo's marriage your Aunt Charlotte was here last?" Sue believed so--gravely. Leo experienced a qualm, despite herself, and threw out a little flag of conciliation. "What did you say when she asked about me, Sue?" "What could I say? You ought not to have gone, Leonore." "And you might have known that for yourself," appended Maud. "You really ought not to need so much looking after. Walking about alone with a young man!" "I did not--we did not--walk far. I took him through the park to the side gate----" A general exclamation. "Do wait," continued Leo, quickly. "At the gate we fell in with Mr. Custance,--" involuntarily her eye rested on Sue, and Sue was silenced on the instant,--"so then I knew we were all right. We headed him off coming here, for which I knew you would be grateful. He would not have assimilated with Aunt Charlotte's lot." She paused for assent, and perceiving the shot told, proceeded with confidence: "So we took the dear rector along with us--we could do nothing else,--and when I came back, they went on together. I thought it was rather masterly, myself." "Why, aye, Custance would have been a fish out of water," allowed the general, nodding approval; "though to be sure the clergyman of the parish is always a respectable visitor. But what of young Butts? I hope he did not think it rather cavalier being shipped off in that fashion?"