so forth; but I take my chance of that.”
His face was so very mild and pleasant, and had something so reverend in it, though it was hale and hearty, that I was not sure but that he was having a good-humoured jest with me. So I laughed, and he laughed, and we parted the best friends possible.
“Well, child,” said my aunt, when I went downstairs. “And what of Mr. Dick, this morning?”
I informed her that he sent his compliments, and was getting on very well indeed.
“What do you think of him?” said my aunt.
I had some shadowy idea of endeavouring to evade the question, by replying that I thought him a very nice gentleman; but my aunt was not to be so put off, for she laid her work down in her lap, and said, folding her hands upon it: