He began at Juliet's feet, and considered them judiciously. Large, but well shaped, wore a good boot. Next he studied her hands, cocking a jealous eye at the emerald ring. Large again, but white; good fingers; manicured nails. Thirdly he considered her figure, and was pleased to approve. Pine girl, some flesh on her bones, none of your modern skeletons. Last of all he looked at her face. "Humph! not so bad. Points; distinctly points! Antony was not such a fool as he looked!" In five minutes' time the Squire could have passed an examination on the subject of Juliet's appearance, and she realised as much, and felt correspondingly elated when the hard eyes softened, and an offer of hot scones was prefaced by, "My dear." My dear had been examined and found correct. My dear was approved. By the time that cups were filled for the second time, the Squire had thawed to the point of jocularity. "Well, Miss Clare, and what tales has this fine fellow been telling you about me? Wicked uncle, eh? Cruel ogre. Gouty old tartar, who insists upon having his own way, and bullies his unfortunate nephew till he is obliged to give in for the sake of peace? That's it, eh? That's what he told you." Juliet looked across at Antony, discovered him flushed, frowning, supremely uncomfortable, and tilted her head with a charming audacity. "Does that mean that he was bullied into having Me? It wouldn't be exactly `peaceful' for him, if I believed that! He certainly would not dare to tell me anything so unflattering." The Squire hastened to eat his words. The girl was a nice girl; frank, friendly, with a touch of the devil which was entirely to his taste. Not for the world would he prejudice her against the boy. "No, no; not at all, not at all. Precious little notice he took of my wishes, until it suited himself to follow my advice. Obstinate fellow, you know; obstinate as a mule. Wouldn't think it to see him sitting there, looking as if he couldn't say boo to a goose; but it's a fact. You'll find it out another day!" "I like a man to have a strong will," Juliet said with the air of a meek, gentle, little fiancee, and the Squire laughed loudly, and made a characteristic change of front. "Glad to hear it! Glad you don't go in for any of this fashionable nonsense about independence and equality. You obey your husband, my dear, and stay quietly in your home, and content yourself with your house duties, as your mother did before you. What has _she_ got to say about this precious engagement?" "Mother thinks of me. She is glad of anything that makes me happy," Juliet said, and flattered herself that she had rounded the corner rather neatly. Antony looked at her quickly, and as quickly looked away. Little Mrs Maplestone gave a soft murmur of approval.