the experienced parent in favour of liberty. But then Mysie was old-
fashioned and dutiful.



CHAPTER V--CLIPSTONE FRIENDS



"What idle progeny succeed
To chase the rolling circle's speed,
Or urge the flying ball."--GRAY.


The afternoon at Clipstone was a success. Gillian was at home, and
every one found congeners. Lady Merrifield's sister, Miss Mohun,
pounced upon Miss Prescott as a coadjutor in the alphabet of good
works needed in the neglected district of Arnscombe, where Mr. Earl
was wifeless, and the farm ladies heedless; but they were interrupted
by Mysie running up to claim Miss Prescott for a game at croquet.
"Uncle Redgie was so glad to see the hoops come into fashion again,"
and Vera and Paula hardly knew the game, they had always played at
lawn tennis; but they were delighted to learn, for Uncle Redgie
proved to be a very fine-looking retired General, and there was a lad
besides, grown to manly height; and one boy, at home for Easter, who,
caring not for croquet, went with Primrose to exhibit to Thekla the
tame menagerie, where a mungoose, called of course Raki raki, was the
last acquisition. She was also shown the kittens of the beloved
Begum, and presented with Phoebus, a tabby with a wise face and a
head marked like a Greek lyre, to be transplanted to the Goyle in due