And then "Cousin Lisette"
insisted on a kiss for the sake of her dear mamma; and Elfie could
only exhale her exasperation by rushing to the pony-carriage,
avoiding all kisses to her young cousins, taking the driving seat,
and whipping up the ponies more than their tender-hearted mistress
would by any means have approved.
Miss Ogilvie abstained from either blame or argument, knowing that it
would only make her worse; and recollecting the old Undine theory,
wondered whether the Elf would ever find her soul, and think with
tender regret of the affection she was spurning.
The next day the travellers started, sleeping a couple of nights in
Hyde Corner, for convenience of purchases and preparations.
They were to meet Mrs. Evelyn at the station; but Janet, who foretold
that she would be another Serene Highness, soured by having missed
the family title, retarded their start till so late that there could
be no introduction on the platform; but seats had to be rushed for,
while a servant took the tickets.
However, a tall, elderly, military-looking gentleman with a great
white moustache, was standing by the open door of a carriage.
"Miss Brownlow," said he, handing them in-—Babie first, next Janet,
and then Elvira.
He then bowed to Miss Ogilvie, took his seat, handed in the
appurtenances, received, showed, and pocketed the tickets, negotiated
Janet's purchase of newspapers, and constituted himself altogether
cavalier to the party.
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