The Saracen's Head

"No, Rose. Your aunt says I spoil that child, and I am going to have my
revenge upon you. You must see the wild beast at his meals another time;
for it just happens that I have a good deal to say to your aunts, and it
is not intended for your ears."

Rose showed no signs of being spoilt, for she only entreated to be
allowed "just to put the tea-things in order," and then, winking very
hard, she said she would go.

"Here, Rose, if you please," said Ermine, clearing the space of table
before her.

"Why, Aunt Ermine, I did not know you could make tea!"

"There are such things as extraordinary occasions, Rose. Now, good
night, my sweet one."

"Good night, my Lady Discretion. We will make up for it one of these
days. Don't stay away, pray, Ailie," as Alison was following the child.
"I have nothing to say till you come back."

"I know it is good news," said Ermine; "but it has cost you something,
Colin."

Instead of answering, he received his cup from her, filled up her
tea-pot, and said-"How long is it since you poured out tea for me, Ermine?"

"Thirteen years next June, when you and Harry used to come in from the
cricket field, so late and hot that you were ashamed to present yourself
in civilized society at the Great House."

"As if nobody from the Parsonage ever came down to look on at the
cricket."

"Yes; being summoned by all the boys to see that nothing would teach a
Scotchman cricket."