"As she needn't blush for! Oh, dear, oh, dear! When her father trod the boards and her mother was born on 'em! What a gal you are, Betsy," said Mrs Dean, who professed high good humour now, and she rocked herself to and fro, and pressed her hands on her knees as she laughed. "Oh, I say, Cory, you are a one. You will act the injured fine lady in private life, my dear. Why, what a silly thing you are. Look at that hat you've chucked down. Didn't it cost five guineas?" "Yes, mother, it cost five guineas," said Cora wearily. "And you can have whatever you like. Oh, I say, my lovely gal, for you really are, you know, don't get into these silly fits. It's such stuff. Why, who knows what may happen? You may be right up atop of the tree yet, and how about yon folks as passes you by now? Why, they'll all be as civil and friendly as can be. There, there, come and kiss me, ducky, we mustn't quarrel, must we? I've got my eyes open for you, so don't, don't, there's a dear. I know what these things means--don't go chucking yourself at that young Linnell's head." "Let Mr Linnell alone, mother." "But I can't, my luvvy; I know too well what these things mean. Why, there was Julia Jennings as was at the Lane--it was just afore you was born. There was a dook and a couple of lords, and carridges and horses, and livery suvvants, and as many jewels and dymonds and dresses as she liked to order; and if she didn't kick 'em all over and marry a shopman, and lived poor ever after. Now do, my luvvy, be advised by me. I know what the world is, and--Gracious goodness! there's somebody coming up the stairs." Mrs Dean threw herself into an attitude meant to be easy, and Cora smoothed her knitted brows as there was a knock at the door, and, after a loud "Come in," a neat-looking maid entered. "Mr Barclay, please, ma'am." "Show him up, Jane," said Mrs Dean sharply; and then, as the door closed, "The old rip's come after his rent. How precious sharp he is." "Morning, ladies," said Barclay. "I heard you were in. Glad to see you are no worse for your accident the other day." He glanced at Cora, who bowed rather stiffly, and said "Not at all." "I can't say that, Mr Barclay. I'm a bit shook; but, as I said to my daughter, I wasn't going to show the white feather, and the ponies go lovely now." "Well, I'm glad of that." "And I'm so much obliged to you for helping of me. Do you know, it was just like a scene in a piece we--er--saw once at the Lane." "Oh, it was nothing ma'am, what I did. Miss Dean, there, she took off all the honours. No cold, I hope." Cora did not answer. "Plucky fellow, young Linnell; but poor, you know, poor." "So I've heard," said Mrs Dean maliciously. "I was thinking of sending him ten guineas." "Oh, I wouldn't do that, ma'am," said Barclay. "Oh, well, I must say _thankye_ some other way. Very kind of you to call. I said to my daughter, `There's Mr Barclay come for his rent,' but I was wrong."