baggage, gave his arm to me, and took me to an open wagon which was
waiting for us. He put me in the seat beside him, and took the reins
with a look of pleasure.

"These are Tom and Jerry, Miss Pauline," he said, "about the
pleasantest members of the family; at least they contribute more to my
pleasure than any other members of it. I squandered about half my income
on them a year or two ago, and have not repented yet; though, indeed,
repentance isn't in my way. I shall hope for the happiness of giving you
many drives with them, if I am permitted."

"Nothing could make me happier, I am sure."

"Richard hasn't any horses, though he can afford it much better than I
can. He does his driving, when he is here, with the carriage-horses that
we keep for Sophie--a dull old pair of brutes. He disapproves very much
of Tom and Jerry; but you see it would never do to have two such wise
heads in one family."

"It would destroy the balance of power in the neighborhood."

"Decidedly; as it is, we are a first-class power, owing to Sophie's
cleverness and Richard's prudence; my prodigality is just needed to keep
us from overrunning the county and proclaiming an empire at the next
town meeting. How do you like Sophie, Miss d'Estrée? I know you haven't
seen much of her--but what you have? Isn't she clever, and isn't she a
pretty woman to be nearly thirty-five?"

I was feeling very grateful for my invitation, and so I said a great
deal of my admiration for his sister.