MISS BADSWORTH, M.F.H. 245 



(looking at the portrait) ** that puzzles me. How many 

 couples to-day, Lavvy ? " 



'' Seventeen and a half, dad. Joe Summers recommends 

 a small pack ; he says there is sure to be a crowd." 



** Your aunt and I will keep them in order, never fear. I 

 shall have my eye on that chap Majendie. Morgan tells me 

 he is to take your place when Victor establishes his claim." 



" Do you think he will, Charles ? " Miss Badsworth asked 

 in a tone of voice which bespoke misgivings. 



" Hunt the hounds ? Majendie ? " 



" I meant Victor." 



" He may, of course ; but as the hero says in the play, it 

 will be over our dead bodies." 



" Whose, dad ? " 



" Your aunt's and mine and — Morgan's." 



*' Don't forget mine, dad," Lavvy said at the door, closing 

 it in time to hide the rosy tinge which, of course, went badly 

 with a red coat. 



