To this Mr. Roundjacket assented, and they returned, laughing, to the office. Verty looked over his shoulder, and admired himself with all the innocence of a child or a savage. One thing only was disagreeable to him--the high heels which Mr. O'Brallaghan had supplied him with. Accustomed to his moccasins, the heels were not to be endured; and Verty kicked both of them off against the stone steps with great composure. Having accomplished this feat, he re-entered. "I'm easier now," he said. "About what?" "The heels." Mr. Roundjacket looked down. "I could'nt walk on 'em, and knocked 'em off," Verty said. Mr. Roundjacket uttered a suppressed chuckle; then stopping suddenly, observed with dignity:-- "Young man, that was very wrong in you. Mr. Rushton has made you a present of that costume, and you should not injure it; he will be displeased, sir." "I will be nothing of the sort," said a growling voice; and turning round, the clerk found himself opposite to Mr. Rushton, who was looking at Verty with a grim smile. "Kick away just as you please, my young savage," said that gentleman, "and don't mind this stuff from Roundjacket, who don't know civilized from Indian character. Do just as you choose." "May I?" said Verty. "Am I to repeat everything?" "Well, sir, I choose to have a holiday this morning." "Hum!" "You said I might do as I wanted to, and I want to go and take a ride." "Well, go then--much of a lawyer you'll ever make." Verty laughed, and turning towards Longears, called him. But Longears hesitated--looking with the most profound astonishment at his master. "He don't know me!" said the young man, laughing; "I don't think he'll hunt if I wear these, sir." But Mr. Rushton had retired, and Verty only heard a door slam. He rose. "I'm going to see Redbud, Mr. Roundjacket," he said, "and I think she'll like my dress--good-bye." Roundjacket only replied by flourishing his ruler. Verty put on his cocked hat, admired himself for an instant in the mirror over the fire-place, and went out humming his eternal Indian song. Five minutes afterwards he was on his way to see Redbud, followed dubiously by Longears, who evidently had not made up his mind on the subject of his master's identity. In order to explain the reception which Verty met with, it will be necessary to precede him. CHAPTER XVIII. HOW MISS LAVINIA DEVELOPED HER THEORIES UPON MATRIMONY. The Apple Orchard carriage, containing the solemn Miss Lavinia, very soon arrived at the abode of old Scowley, as our friend Verty was accustomed to call the respectable preceptress of Miss Redbud; and Miss Lavinia descended and entered with solemn dignity. Miss Sallianna and herself exchanged elaborate curtseys, and Miss Lavinia sailed into the pleasant sylvan parlor and took her seat reverely.