She could occasionally put an idea into his mind which he mistook for his
own, as, for instance, when he observed to his wife,--"What a pity that
girl has such a preposterous name, and that you all have the habit of
calling her by it. The other evening that idiot, young Halkett must needs
say, 'What a lovely pet name!' I can tell you I took him up pretty short.
You really must not have her down so much, if these boys think they may
talk nonsense to her."

Mrs. Rolleston was rather surprised at the irritation with which this was
said; to be sure she had heard Miss Prosody, previous to young Halkett's
foolish remark, lamenting that Bluebell "did not show more reserve with
gentlemen guests, and that she put herself so much on an equality with
Cecil." The Colonel was a domestic man, and liked cheerfulness at his
fireside, of which he himself was to be the centre and inspiration;
anything approaching bad spirits, silence, or headaches he always
resented.

Bluebell was well enough as contributing to the liveliness of the little
society--a pretty smiling young girl is seldom _de trop_; but then she
must be satisfied without lovers, whose presence the Colonel considered
subversive of all rational comfort.

Good-natured Mrs. Rolleston pursued the even tenor of her way, the
Colonel's fidgets had a soporific effect on her nerves and created
no corresponding alarms; her idol, Freddy, was satisfied with the new
administration, and ceased to wage internecine warfare with his nurse;
and certainly the unwonted tranquillity consequent was a decided boon to
the rest of the household.