if Grey would imitate him," and she glanced at her son, on whose face a
cloud instantly fell.

Miss McPherson saw it, and turning to him she asked:

"How did you like Neil? Boys are sometimes better judges of each other
than older people. Did you think him very nice?"

Remembering Miss McPherson's love for the _naked truth_, Grey spoke out
boldly.

"No, madam; at first I did not like him at all. We had a fight!"

"A fight!" Miss McPherson repeated, in surprise, as did both Hannah and
Lucy simultaneously, while Mrs. Jerrold interposed:

"I think, Grey, I would not mention that, as it reflects no credit upon
you."

"But he insulted me first," Grey replied, and Miss McPherson insisted:

"Tell it, Grey, and do not omit anything, because I am his aunt. Tell it
exactly as it was. I want the truth."

Thus encouraged, Grey began: "I know I did not do right, but he made me
so angry. It was the Fourth of July and we were at Melrose stopping at
the George Inn, while Mr. McPherson's family were at the Abbey Hotel
close to the old ruin. There were several Americans at our house, and
because of that the proprietor hung out our national flag. It was such a
lovely morning, and when I went into the street and saw the Stars and