’I’ve been at the plans all the afternoon.  I see how to contrive the fireplace in the back room, that we could not have in the first set, and make them cheaper, too.  My father has really made a point of that old decrepit Hailes being moved from Marksedge; and Mary, he, and Richardson mean Inglewood to be made over to me for good.  I am to put in a bailiff, and do as I can with it—­have the profits or bear the losses.  I think I have an idea—­’

In spite of her willingness to hear the idea, Mary could not help asking, ‘Have you sent off the Police article?’

‘Hush, Mary; it is my prime object to have it well forgotten.’

‘Oh! did not Sir Miles like it?’

’He said it wanted liveliness and anecdote.  So the Santissima Hermandad, and all the extraneous history, were sent to him; and then he was well content, and only wanted me to leave out all the Christian chivalry—­all I cared to say—­’

’You don’t mean not to finish?  Your father was so pleased, Isabel so much struck!  It is a pity—­’

’No, no; you may forgive me, Mary—­it is not pure laziness.  It was mere rubbish, without the point, which was too strong for the two politicians; rubbish, any way.  Don’t tell me to go on with it; it was a mere trial, much better let it die away.  I really have no time; if I don’t mind my own business, I shall be a plucked gosling; and that would go to his, lordship’s heart.  Besides, I must get these plans done.  Do you remember where we got the fire-bricks for the ovens?’

Mary was answering, when Walter came bursting through the crowd.  ‘Where is he?  Fitzjocelyn, it is your turn.’

‘Here is a curious specimen for our great naturalist,’ said Mrs. Frost, a glow in her cheeks, and her voice all stifled mirth and mischief.

It was a large nest of moss and horsehair, partly concealed under the lower branches, and containing two huge eggs streaked and spotted with azure and vermilion, and a purple and yellow feather, labelled, ’Dropped by the parent animal in her flight, on the discovery of the nest by the crew of H.M.S.  Flying Dutchman.  North Greenland, April 1st, 1847.  Qu.?  Female of Equus Pegasus.  Respectfully dedicated to the Right Honourable Viscount Fitzjocelyn.’

‘A fine specimen,’ said the Viscount at once, with the air of a connoisseur, by no means taken by surprise.  ’They are not very uncommon; I found one myself about the same date in the justice-room.  I dare say Mr. Calcott recollects the circumstance.’

‘Oh, my dear fellow,’ exclaimed Sydney, instead of his father; ’you need not particularize.  You always were a discoverer in that line.’

‘True,’ said Louis, ’but this is unique.  North Greenland—­ah!  I thought it was from a Frosty country.  Ha, Clara?’

‘Not I; I know nothing of it,’ cried Clara, in hurry and confusion, not yet able to be suspected of taking liberties with him.