"If people talk about us it is because of the novelty. They have never heard of gentle-people doing this sort of work before----" "I should think not!" wrathfully from Mr. Mayne. "Things were so bad with us that we should have all had to separate if Phillis had not planned this scheme; and then mother would have broken her heart; but now we are getting on famously. Our work gives satisfaction, we have plenty of orders; we do not forfeit people's good opinions, for we have nothing but respect shown us, and----" But here Mr. Mayne interrupted her flow of quiet eloquence somewhat rudely. "Pack of nonsense!" he exclaimed, angrily. "I wonder at your mother,--I do indeed. I thought she had more sense. You have no right to outrage your friends in this way! it is treating us badly. What will your mother say, Dick? She will be dreadfully shocked. I am sorry for you, my boy,--I am indeed: but, under the circumstances----" But what he was about to add was checked by a very singular proceeding on the part of his son; for Dick suddenly took Nan's hand, and drew her forward. "Don't be sorry for me, father: I am the happiest fellow alive. Nan and I have come to an understanding at last, after all these years. Allow me to present to you the future Mrs. Richard Mayne." CHAPTER XXXI. DICK THINKS OF THE CITY. When Dick had uttered this audacious speech, Mr. Mayne started back, and his expression of mingled wrath and dismay was so ludicrous that under any other circumstances his son would have found it difficult to keep his countenance. "What! what!" he almost shouted, losing all sense of politeness, and even of Nan's presence; "you young fool, what do you mean by trumping up this nonsense and presuming to talk to me in this way?" Dick thought it prudent to drop Nan's hand,--and, indeed, the girl shrank away from them both in alarm at this outburst: nevertheless, his countenance and bearing maintained the same admirable _sang-froid_, as he confronted his angry parent: