"There now, I've won," she laughed; "I said to myself I wouldn't speak first, and I haven't. What a time you were. I thought you would never begin." "You're a little goose! Now I begin then; who've been here to-day?" "Of your college? let me see;" and she looked away across to the bar window, pricking her needle into the table. "There was Mr. Drysdale and some others called for a glass of ale as they passed, going out driving. Then there was Mr. Smith and them from the boats about four, and that ugly one--I can't mind his name--" "What, Hardy?" "Yes, that's it; he was here about half-past six, and--" "What, Hardy here after hall?" interrupted Tom, utterly astonished. "Yes, after your dinner up at college. He's been here two or three times lately." "The deuce he has!" "Yes, and he talks so pleasant to aunt, too. I'm sure he is a very nice gentleman, after all. He sat and talked tonight for half an hour, I should think." "What did he talk about?" said Tom, with a sneer. "Oh, he asked me whether I had a mother, and where I came from, and all about my bringing up, and made me feel quite pleasant. He is so nice and quiet and respectful, not like most of you. I'm going to like him very much, as you told me." "I don't tell you so now." "But you did say he was your great friend." "Well, he isn't that now." "What, have you quarreled?" "Yes." "Dear; dear; how odd you gentlemen are!" "Why, it isn't a very odd thing for men to quarrel, is it?" "No, not in the public room. They're always quarreling there, over their drink and the bagatelle-board; and Dick has to turn them out. But gentlemen ought to know better." "They don't, you see, Patty." "But what did you quarrel about?" "Guess." "How can I guess? What was it about?" "About you." "About me!" she said, looking up from her work in wonder. "How could you quarrel about me?" "Well, I'll tell you; he said I had no right to come here. You won't like him after that, will you Patty?" "I don't know, I'm sure," said Patty, going on with her work, and looking troubled.