"Toney, how ridiculous! Of course he's a plant too!"
"Gracious stars! what's the matter? I told you Uncle Dove had written about them all, he's all right and he's coming the day after to-morrow to see us, so as to avoid the coming of age party. You've promised to come, haven't you? I've been working so hard to get everything right for it."
"Heaps of Aunt Dove's friends are coming. We haven't had one refusal. Awfully kind of them, though of course I would much rather some of them didn't come, it's only to see if I've improved."
"Why it would not be coming of age without you and Crumpet and Uncle Dove and Doctor Latham, and a few more--and Jim's coming to be my coachman and groom all in one, because Aunt Dove doesn't want to pay anything for me now I'm rich. Jim is just a faithful friend, and he's still engaged to his second young woman, the first was a bit fast so he gave her the slip one day."
"Jim and I have corresponded regularly. You see if you just leave go of these young fellows they soon forget their promises, besides I kept all his savings, and he's a nice little lump now in the Savings Bank. Oh, dear, it's tea-time and I must scoot! Mr. Staines is coming to explain things to me, and there's no end to do, but Crumpet is staying with me in our old rooms, top storey, and she'll help a bit. You should see the rooms, I spent all one quarter's pocket money on them, and now they're real palatial, at least Crumpet's is; I hate a lot of things, but I put in a big tub and---- Oh! gracious stars! I must go, so good-bye, dear old chum!"
Toney Whitburn held out a strong young hand and her companion grasped it.
"Look here, Toney, if you are in trouble or want anything, anything, you know--you'll ask me to help you--promise?"
"Of course I will. Haven't I just now asked you about young men and offers, all because I thought you would know and wouldn't laugh."
"Yes, thank you--and I'll come to-morrow in spite of not being sure I shall be welcome."
"There! you are telling fibs like Madame, but honest truth, I'd rather have you and Jim at my party, than any other men I know."
"Thanks awfully," and with a laugh the two separated. Toney galloped across the park, and the Squire was just going to jump the fence when he paused and looked back at her.