'Pshaw, Ethel! The light of nature would show that to any one but a
stupex.'

Ethel was not sorry that such were Aubrey's views of courtesy, but
all thought of that subject was soon lost in the pursuit of
ammonites.

'I wonder what Leonard will have picked up now?' they speculated, as
they turned homewards with their weighty baskets, but what was their
amazement, when Leonard waved his hand, pointing to the little black
dog again at his feet!

'She is mine!' he exclaimed, 'my own! Mrs. Gisborne has given her to
me; and she is to be the happiest little mite going!'

'Given!'

'Yes. She came as soon as you were gone, and sat by me, and talked
for an hour, but she goes to-morrow to live with an old hag of an
aunt.'

'Really, you seem to have been on confidential terms.'

'I mean that she must be a nuisance, because she doesn't like dogs;
so that Mrs. Gisborne can only take the old one, which she could
never part with. So she wanted to give Mab to some one who would be
kind to her; and she has come to the right shop; hasn't she, my
little queen?'