"I wish that old griffin would go," thought Trevor, as the conversation went on about the sea, the country and its pursuits--a conversation which Aunt Matty thought to be flighty, and wanting in ballast--which she supplied. But Aunt Matty did not mean to go, and dealt out more than one snub keen enough to have given offence to the young sailor, but for the genial looks of Lady Rea and the efforts of Fin, who, to her sister's trouble, grew spiteful as soon as her aunt snubbed her ladyship, and became reckless in her speech. Aunt Matty thought it was quite time for "the seafaring person," as she mentally termed him, to go. She had never known a visit of ceremony last so long. On the contrary side, Trevor forgot all about its being a visit of ceremony: he was near his deity--for a warm attachment for the sweet, gentle girl was growing fast--and he liked the merry laughing eyes of Fin. "By the way, Mr Trevor," said Lady Rea. "I hear you've got beautiful horses." "Oh, I don't know," said Trevor. "I tried to get good ones." "I'm told they are lovely. The girls are just beginning riding--papa has had horses sent down for them." "I hope they are quiet and well broken," said Trevor, with an anxious glance at Tiny. "I don't think, Fanny, that Mr Trevor can care to know about our simple domestic matters--our horses, for instance," said Miss Matilda, now solid ice. "Oh, sailors always love horses, aunty," said Fin, colouring a little; and then mischievously, as she sent an arrow at Trevor, "because they can't ride them." Aunt Matty's lips parted, but no words came; and to calm her ruffled feelings she took a little dog--in strokes. "Your daughter is right," said Trevor, "I do love horses; and," he said, laughing at Fin, "I do try to ride them." "I hope you'll look at the girls' horses, then, Mr Trevor," said Lady Rea. "As you understand them, you'd be able to tell whether they are safe. I don't half like the idea of the girls mounting such wild beasts as horses often are. As for me, I wouldn't ride on one for the world." The idea of plump little Lady Rea in a riding-habit, mounted on a horse, like a long-draped pincushion, was too much. Tiny coloured. Aunt Matty looked horrified. Trevor grew hot and bit his lip, caught Fin's eye, and then that young lady, who had held her handkerchief to her mouth, burst out laughing. "Dear me!" exclaimed Lady Rea, good-humouredly. "What have I said now?--something very stupid, I'm sure. But you must not mind me, Mr Trevor, for I do make such foolish mistakes." Miss Matilda took hold of the two sides of the light shawl thrown over her angular shoulders, and gave it a sawing motion to work it higher up towards her neck, a shuddering sensation, like that caused by a cold current of air, having evidently attacked her spine.