"But that there Mr Arthur aren't the right sort." "How do you know?" cried the girl defiantly. "'Cause I'm an old man as has seen a deal of the world, my dear, and I've got a granddaughter just like you. I shouldn't have thought it of Mr Arthur, and I don't know as I shan't speak to him about it myself." "Oh no, no!" cried the girl excitedly. "Pray, don't do that." The old man loosed her hand to sit gazing thoughtfully before him, while the girl once more grasped his arm. "There's on'y one thing as would make me say I wouldn't speak to William Cressy and Mr Arthur." "And what's that?" cried the girl. "You a-giving of me your solemn promise as you won't let Mr Arthur talk to you again." "I'll promise," cried the girl. "Yes," said the old man; "it's easy enough to promise; but will you keep it?" "Yes, yes, that I will." "You see he's a gentleman, and you're only a farmer's daughter, my dear; and he wouldn't think no more of you, after once he'd gone away from here; and then you'd be frettin' your pretty little heart out." "Then you won't tell Brother William?" "Well, I won't." "Nor yet speak to Mr Arthur?" "Not this time, my dear; but if I see any more of it, I shall go straight over to William Cressy, and then he'll do what seems best in his own eyes." "I think it would be far more creditable of you, gardener, if you were attending to your vines, instead of wasting your time gossiping with the maids," said a stern sharp voice. "And as for you, Fanny, I think you have enough to do indoors." "If you please, ma'am, you are not my mistress," said the girl pertly. "No, Fanny, and never shall be; but your mistress is too much taken up with her cares to note your negligence, therefore I speak. Now go!" A sharp answer was upon Fanny's lips; but she checked it, and flounced out of the vinery, leaving Aunt Sophia with the gardener. "I am surprised at you, John Monnick," continued the old lady. "Your master is helpless now, and you take advantage of it." "No, ma'am, no," said the old fellow, who would not bring the question of Fanny's delinquency into his defence. "I'm working as steadily as I can." "Humph!" ejaculated Aunt Sophia. "I never saw these vines so wild before." "Well, they are behind, ma'am; but you see this is all extry. Sir James always done the vines himself, besides nearly all the other glass-work; and the things do run away from me a bit." "Yes, if you encourage the maid-servants to come and talk." "Yes, ma'am; shan't occur again," said the old fellow grimly; and he went on busily snapping out the shoots, while Aunt Sophia stalked out into the garden to meet Arthur Prayle, who was walking thoughtfully up and down one of the green walks, with his hands behind him, one holding a memorandum book, the other a pencil, with which he made a note from time to time. Volume 2, Chapter IX. THE CONSEQUENCE OF KILLING SLUGS.