96 LINES IN PLEASANT PLACES 



part of the girls that they should be taught fly fishing, 

 and equipped with the correct " things " (their ex- 

 pression not mine), for a new diversion ; it must be 

 done immediately, expense not to be considered. The 

 vicar was strong as to the hang-the-cost doctrine, and 

 this he said knowing that cousin would see his ten- 

 pound note no more for ever. Perhaps the reader will 

 comprehend why cousin was passing sore ; he paid 

 the piper, and the vicar evidently meant to dance to the 

 tune. In plain phrase, he undertook, if cousin would 

 drill them sufficiently into the mysteries of fly fishing, 

 to lead them into action in earnest during the approach- 

 ing Mayfly time. Wherefore cousin fitted them out 

 with rods, winches, lines, casts, and flies. But he drew 

 the line at waders, as not being in the department of a 

 mere he-cousin. 



With curious indiscretion he brought home a tackle- 

 maker's catalogue, with the " things " which he con- 

 sidered generously requisite. Then the girls consulted 

 the pamphlet, and, backed of course by the vicar, in- 

 sisted that a silver spring balance in morocco case (to 

 weigh up to or down from 4 lb.), an oil bottle for 

 odourless paraffin, and other small trifles were needful. 

 Cousin gave them all credit for gratitude evinced after 

 his second trip to town, and any reader must give him 

 credit for the honest pleasure that was his recompense. 

 They were satisfied for the time being, as the reader 

 will readily understand. " A very neat little rig-out 

 indeed, my dear," said B. to L., the vicar corroborating 

 like the sound of a small amen. For a while the donor 

 resolutely declined to buy split-cane rods, deeming 

 high-class greenhearts sufficient for beginners, though 

 the vicar argued that it was always wise in tuition to 

 begin as you intend to proceed. This casuistry cousin 

 heeded not. 



