“Eddy,” she said, “what have you been doing? You have got into some scrape? For goodness sake remember where you are, and all that depends upon it.” Rosamond was very serious, she had even a pucker of anxiety on her usually smooth brow. “I have got very wet,” said Eddy, “if that’s what you mean: and probably a bad cold depends on it, which would be pleasant on the eve of a ball. If you’ve got a sermon to preach you can do it after. I must change my clothes now.” “Oh, what does getting wet matter,” said Rosamond, “or catching cold either? Who is this man you have made them ask? If it’s any one that ought not to come, and father hears of it----” “It’s Johnson--of St. Chad’s,” said Eddy, pausing to laugh at his joke, which had already prospered so much beyond his hopes. “What do you know of St. Chad’s? And father, who set me to keep you straight? Eddy, I didn’t mind any humbugging with grandmamma, she deserves it, and you had a great deal of provocation: but they’re good people here----” “Who are good people? my little girl, or your fellow that you can turn round your finger? I’ll answer for them, my child. And the father, with his money----” “He has been very kind to us,” said Rosamond. “I will not have him mystified. Tell me who this man is, or I will go straight to Mrs. Rowland and tell her not to let him come.” “Oh, he’ll come fast enough,” said Eddy, “he’s got his invitation; all the country couldn’t keep him from coming. But if you have any bravos at your disposition, and can have him waylaid and thrown into the loch, do it, my dear, with my blessing; I shan’t mind.” “Then why, why did you make them ask him,” cried Rosamond. Eddy laughed; there was excitement in his laugh, but there was also amusement. “Why?” he said, “for fun! isn’t that reason enough. To watch him will be the best joke that ever was. I’m to introduce him to all the bigwigs, and shan’t I do it, too! Find me a title for Miss Eliza, Rose. How he’ll listen to her!--and lend the nephews money----” “Eddy, it’s some wretched money-lender----” “Well,” said Eddy, with a laugh, “there are many worse trades; they must have it, or they couldn’t lend it. Go away and let me change my wet clothes.”