CHAPTER XXIV. 



Unaccustomed champagne in the middle of the day is apt 

 to produce a reaction which militates against good temper. 



Mrs. Dickinson, failing to see that her best policy was to 

 hold her tongue, commenced an attack upon Miss Badsworth 

 as soon as that lady had taken a gracious leave of her 

 guests. 



*' I never saw such a ridiculous fuss made over so un- 

 worthy an object," she said as they walked towards the 

 house. 



Miss Badsworth, now fully alive to her responsibilities, 

 and at the same time somewhat fatigued, did not feel the 

 truth of this remark when regarded by the light of her own 

 experience. Moreover, she felt annoyed by Mrs. Dickinson's 

 want of tact, and added to this there were nearly forty acres 

 of hay in various stages of making and carrying which 

 needed her occasional presence, though naturally she was 

 ignorant of many necessary details. 



" No ? " she queried. ** I daresay not ; but then you 

 cannot be expected to take in at first sight the many re- 

 quirements of the situation." 



" I consider it a most unwomanly business," Mrs. Dickin- 

 son rejoined. 



** That is just what it is." 



*' As for your niece " 



" Kindly leave Lavvy out of the question ; what she does, 

 she does on my behalf." 



" Oh, of course ; but I confess you surprise me, Miss 

 Badsworth. I always thought " 



** And so did I; but I find — and I don't mind confessing 



i8q 



