“What an immense gain to a young girl--of course, I mean one whose education and tastes have fitted her for it--to be the companion of such a mind as his! Who is this Mr. Haire?” “A very old friend. I believe he was a schoolfellow of grandpapa's.” “Not his equal, I suspect, in ability or knowledge.” “Oh, nothing like it; a most worthy man, respected by every one, and devotedly attached to grandpapa, but not clever.” “The Chief, I remarked, called him witty,” said Sewell with a faint twinkle in his eye. “It was done in jest. He is fond of fathering on him the smart sayings of the day, and watching his attempts to disown them.” “And Haire likes that?” “I believe he likes grandpapa in every mood he has.” “What an invaluable friend! I wish to Heaven he could find such another for me. I want--there 's nothing I want more than some one who would always approve of me.” “Perhaps you might push this fidelity further than grandpapa does,” said she, with a smile. “You mean that it might not always be so easy to applaud _me_.” She only laughed, and made no effort to disclaim the assertion. “Well,” said he, with a sigh, “who knows but if I live to be old and rich I may be fortunate enough to have such an accommodating friend? Who are the other 'intimates' here? I ask because we are going to be domesticated also.” “I heard so this morning.” “I hope with pleasure, though you have n't said as much.” “With pleasure, certainly; but with more misgiving than pleasure.” “Pray explain this.” “Simply that the very quiet life we lead here would not be endurable by people who like the world, and whom the world likes. We never see any one, we never go out, we-have not even those second-hand glances at society that people have who admit gossiping acquaintances; in fact, regard what you have witnessed to-day as a dinner-party, and then fashion for yourself our ordinary life.” “And do _you_ like it?” “I know nothing else, and I am tolerably happy. If papa and Tom were here, I should be perfectly happy.” “By Jove! you startle me,” said he, throwing away the unlighted cigar he had held for some minutes in his fingers; “I did n't know it was so bad.” “It is possible he may relax for you and Mrs. Sewell; indeed, I think it more than likely that he will.” “Ay, but the relaxation might only be in favor of a few more like that old gent we had to-day. No, no; the thing will never work. I see it at once. My mother said we could not possibly stand it three weeks, and I perceive it is your opinion too.” “I did not say so much,” said she, smiling.