The next evening the Reas dined at Penreife in great state and dignity-- all but Aunt Matty, who steadily refused pardon, and turned her back upon Trevor; while Sir Hampton preserved a dignified composure upon the matter, as if submitting of necessity; for-- "Mark my words, Hampton," his sister had said, "this ridiculous marriage will never take place. I should as soon expect Finetta to be espoused by that wretched little companion of the seafaring man." Sir Hampton grunted, and went to the dinner, which he thoroughly enjoyed, and softened a good deal over his wine; after which, the evening being delicious, he allowed himself to be inveigled into the grounds, where Trevor asked his advice respecting some new forcing-houses which he proposed having, listening to him with deference; and at last, when they strolled in through the open drawing-room window, Sir Hampton said aloud-- "Er-rum--yes, Trevor, I'll come over with Sanders--say Wednesday--and he shall mark out the lines on the same plan as mine. I think I can put you in the way of many improvements." Directly after, he was settled in an easy-chair, with his handkerchief spread upon his knees, thinking--with his eyes closed; and while he thought, everybody spoke in a whisper, for it was a custom with Sir Hampton Rea to think for half an hour after dinner--with his eyes closed: he never took a nap. Lady Rea, looking rosy, round, and warm, was presiding at the tea-table; and Tiny, blushing and happy, was rearranging some flowers, Frank Pratt helping her in a loving, deferential manner, very different from his general easy-going way; while Fin had caught Trevor by the arm, led him into the far window, and forced him back into a chair, before which she stood, holding up a menacing finger. "I'm ashamed of you, Dick--I am indeed," she said, sharply. "Ashamed!" he exclaimed. "Why?" "Such cunning, such artfulness! I didn't give you credit for it." "What do you mean?" "Coaxing pa round like that, when you no more want hothouses than I do. There, go away, sir; I'm disgusted. Look! ma's beckoning to you." In effect, Lady Rea was cautiously making signals from the tea-tray; and on Trevor going to her, Pratt slowly crossed to the window, and began to talk to Fin. "Do you know, Miss Rea, I find I've been here six weeks," he said awkwardly. "You don't say so, Mr Pratt," said Fin, quietly. Pratt stared, and went on. "The time has gone like magic." "Has it really?" said Fin, demurely. "Yes," said Pratt a little bitterly; "and as I have decided upon returning to town in a day or two, I thought I'd take this opportunity of saying good-bye." "I think its the very best thing you can do, Mr Pratt," said Fin, sharply. "What, say good-bye?" "No, go back to town. You will be industrious there. See what's come to your poor friend by mooning about in the country."