MISS BADSWORTH, M.F.H. 289 



** I wanted to speak to you on an important matter," he 

 went on. 



" I trust you won't be long, for I have been in the snow, 

 and my — boots are wet ; of course if you are not in a hurry 

 I will go and change." 



** You don't seem in a very good temper," Victor said. '' I 

 have my doubts about your returning if I let you go." 



" I'm in the very best of tempers ; we found — but you 

 wouldn't understand it. Go on, tell me what you want." 

 Lavvy's tone was not very gracious, but then she had an 

 idea of part, at least, of what was coming. 



** I'm going to take counsel's opinion on this business," 

 Victor said. 



" So Mr. Morgan told me last night." 



" Oh ! he did, did he ? Last night ? " 



Victor would keep looking at her top-boots and the two or 

 three inches of white buckskin breeches which showed below 

 her red coat. 



"Yes; of course you are aware he is the sole surviving 

 executor, and Aunt Lavinia, being what I believe is called 

 the other party, he was bound to mention your intention." 



<* Mr. Morgan " 



*' Really, if you are going to talk about him I think I'll 

 go and change. You keep staring so at me." 



" I beg your pardon ; but you know it's such an uncon- 

 ventional costume." 



'* That it doesn't suit your artistic taste. You ought to 

 know by this time, Victor, that there is a reason for it, in fact 

 that I have no choice." 



" Well, I am prepared to make a compromise, if Aunt 

 Lavinia will make a reasonable settlement on me, and you 

 " with another doubtful glance at the boots. 



'* I should advise you to ask Aunt Lavinia first ; the 

 money must be the important consideration, and you wisely 

 put it first. I don't know whether she is at home." 



*' Please don't interrupt me, Lavvy. Of course we should 

 want enough to liv§ on, but if you would — I wish you 



19 



