Miss Trevor, who was at her ease with Mrs. Rush and her former pupilsof Miss Ashton's class if she was with any one, asked many questionsabout the studies of the latter and of the progress they were makingin the two branches in which she had been their instructress, andgave some information respecting herself; Lena listening and lookingon in wonder at her peculiarities of speech and manner, but taking nopart in the conversation.

But at last Miss Trevor turned to her again.

"Neville, you exclaimed, my dear Mrs. Rush,--your niece--yes, Neville,indeed, Neville. Such a favorite with me--me, indeed, yes, favorite.I know a boy, yes, boy--indeed, youth--such a fine youth--such ahero--ro, indeed, ro--does not fear geese--hissing creatures, mydears--yes, creatures, indeed creatures, my dears, yes, creatures,indeed. Neville he is, yes, Neville--chevalier _sans peur et sansreproche, 'proche_, indeed, _'proche_."

Now, as may be supposed, Lena was far from regarding her brotherPercy as a "chevalier _sans peur et sans reproche_." She hadlittle reason, in view of late occurrences, to do so, and she neverconnected him with the heroic youth on whomse praises this odd littleold lady was dwelling. She felt no interest inside her, only a sort ofimpatient surprise, and wished that her aunt would take her away.

Miss Trevor dwelt farther upon the episode of the geese and Percy'scoming to the rescue; and while Lena maintained a sober face, seeingnothing especially funny in the story, Maggie and Bessie, and evenMrs. Rush, had some difficulty in restraining themselves fromlaughing outright at the tragic tale she contrived to make out of it,and the thought of the droll spectacle the ancient lady must havepresented as she flew down the street, pursued by the hissing,long-necked foe.