Ned gave his message and asked for a drink of cider. Thereupon Phyllis rose from her dinner and went to fetch it. But young Baskerville's eyes were on Cora while he drank. He had the manner of a man very well accustomed to female society, and long experience had taught him that nine girls out of ten found him exceedingly attractive. His easy insolence won them against their will. Such girls as demanded worship and respect found Ned not so agreeable; but those who preferred the male creature to dominate were fascinated by his sublimity and affectation of knowledge and worldly wisdom. He pretended to know everything--a convincing attitude only among those who know nothing. The talk was of a revel presently to take place at Tavistock. "And what's your gown going to be, Phyllis?" asked Ned. The gown of Phyllis did not interest him in the least, but this question was put as a preliminary to another, and when the younger sister told him that she meant to wear plum-colour, he turned to Cora. "Cora's got a lovely frock--blue muslin wi' little pink roses, and a straw hat wi' big pink roses," said Phyllis. Ned nodded. "I'd go a long way to see her in such a beautiful dress," he said; "and, mind, I'm to have a dance or two with you both. There's to be dancing in the evening--not rough and tumble on the grass, but boards are to be laid down and everything done proper." They chattered about the promised festivity, while Nathan and Mrs. Lintern, having discussed certain farm matters, spoke of another and a nearer celebration. "You see, my brother Vivian and I are of the good old-fashioned sort, and we're bent on the whole family meeting at a square feed, with good wishes all round, on his seventieth birthday. To think of him turned seventy! I can't believe it. Yet Time won't stand still--not even with the busiest. A family affair 'tis to be, and none asked outside ourselves." "Does Mr. Humphrey go? He's not much of a hand at a revel." "He is not; and I thought that he would have refused the invitation. But he's accepted. We shall try our hardest to cheer him up and get a drop of generous liquor into him. I only hope he won't be a damper and spoil the fun." "A pity he's going." "We shall know that better afterwards. 'Twill be a pity if he mars all; but 'twill be a good thing if we overmaster him amongst us, and get him to take a hopefuller view of life and a kinder view of his fellow-creatures." Ned chimed in. "You'll never do that, Uncle Nat. He's too old to change now. And Cousin Mark be going just the same way. He's getting such a silent, hang-dog chap, and no wonder, having to live with such a father. I'd run away if I was him." Nathan laughed. "I believe you'd almost rather work than keep along with your Uncle Humphrey," he said. "'Tis pretty well known I can work when I choose," declared Ned. "Yes," said Heathman, with his mouth full; "and 'tis also pretty well known you never do choose."