"Your governor and mine get on splendidly," says George, in a hopeful voice. "That would surely go for something?"
"That is one of those things no one can understand," I say, shaking my head. "My father has known your father for four years, and they have not quarrelled yet! Mr. Tempest must have the temper of an angel, or papa has never kicked him, because he thought he was so little, and old, and frail!"
"Which redounds to Colonel Adair's credit," says George, laughing; "but I have often wondered he does not take a turn at me!"
"Don't be afraid," I say, nodding. "As soon as he knows you are anxious to have him for a father-in-law, he will be good for any amount of that. Is it not droll that parents should see things going on under their very noses, and then be so surprised and disgusted when anything comes of it?"
"I suppose their fathers were before them," says George; "and some day we shall be the same! I say, Nell, what a little duck you look, to be sure!" he says, as after stooping over the water, I turn round with my wreath set jauntily on my head.
"You have not half admired me yet!" I say, holding out my dress; "now do you know what I am going to do?"
"Stay with me."
"I am going to walk across the field of corn, and then the field of rye, just as I am, and then———"
"Well, and then?"
"———I am going to sit down," I say, guardedly. Not for worlds would I have George know of my little green parlour. He would spend half his days in it!
"And I shall come with you," he says, promptly, "in case you meet anybody with that wreath on your head."
"No, you will not," I say, decidedly. "What good would you be to me, pray? and who am I likely to meet, except a ploughman,
