our premises. Aubrey, reconnoitring in high dudgeon, sarcastically
observed that all red-haired men are so much alike, that he should
have said yonder was Hec--. The rest ended in a view halloo from
above and below, and three bounds to the beach, whereon I levelled my
glass, and perceived that in very deed it was Mr. and Mrs.
Ernescliffe who were hopping over the shingle. Descending, I was
swung off the last rock in a huge embrace, and Hector's fiery
moustache was scrubbing both my cheeks before my feet touched the
ground, and Blanche with both arms round my waist. They were ready
to devour us alive in their famine for a Stoneborough face; and as
Flora and Mary are keeping home uninhabitable, found themselves
obliged to rush away from Maplewood in the middle of their county
welcomes for a little snatch of us, and to join us in vituperating
the new furniture. If Mary could only hear Hector talk of a new sofa
that he can't put his boots upon--he says it is bad enough at
Maplewood, but that he did hope to be still comfortable at home.
They have to get back to dine out to-morrow, but meantime the fun is
more fast and furious than ever, and as soon as the tide serves, we
are to fulfil our long-cherished desire of boating round to Lyme. I
won't answer for the quantity of discretion added to our freight, but
at least there is six feet more of valour, and Mrs. Blanche for my
chaperon. Bonnie Blanche is little changed by her four months'
matrimony, and only looks prettier and more stylish, but she is
painfully meek and younger-sisterish, asking my leave instead of her
husband's, and distressed at her smartness in her pretty shady hat
and undyed silk, because I was in trim for lias-grubbing. Her
appearance ought to be an example to all the brides in the place with
skirts in the water, and nothing on to keep off eyes, sun, or wind
from their faces. I give Flora infinite credit for it. Blanche and
Aubrey walk arm in arm in unceasing talk, and that good fellow,