CHAPTER XXI. "WELL, mother, have you introduced Maude to Ariel, or rather, I suppose, Ariel to Maude," said Redwald to Lady Marchmont, as the gentlemen returned to the drawing-room after dinner. "No indeed, Redwald, I would not forestal you in that pleasure." 66 Always kind and considerate, my mother," said Redwald, as he rang the bell to desire that the dog and all its belongings might be brought from Lady Marchmont's dressing-room. "The dog!" exclaimed Maude, “then have you really brought me a little greyhound ?" "I have." "An Italian greyhound, really?" "An Italian greyhound, really: did I not promise you one ?" 66 66 Yes, but I feared you might forget." Forget! Miss Snobbins," said Redwald, in mock heroics, "pray, when did a chivalrous knight ever forget a promise to the vowed lady of his affections, the inspirer of his valour; whose favour nerved his arm, and whose smile pointed his lance, though it might be but to pluck a hair from the Soldan's beard, or a withered leaf from the burning plains of Palestine, or carry a little dog from Italy? Miss Snobbins, you have wounded me deeply-I am deeply hurt." My wound is great, although it be but small! Perhaps 'twould be greater, were it none at all." said Maude, laughing. 66 Cruel, cruel Maude! now you are adding insult to injury." "Poor fellow," began Maude, very sympathetically, "but here's the dog." And starting forward, she knelt down, and took a beautiful Italian greyhound out of the basket, which the man had just laid on the hearth-rug. It was the most perfect little creature imaginable; it had not a blemish, nor a hair turned. Its coat was fawn and white. The Italian is certainly the beautiful fairy of the dog creation, and this was one of the purest breed, the most faultless of its kind. The little creature did not resent, at least, not loudly, Maude's sudden irruption and capture, but as she pressed him to her, he drew back his stately head, with the ears drooping on to the neck, pressed his fore-paws against her, and fixed his Lady Marchmont had dropt a stitch, which, bending over the light, she was trying to take up. "And you will fight the battle of the whole sex, my little girl, will you?" said Sir Charles, with smiling kindness. 66 Certainly, sir, if you will be a patient listener and an impartial judge." 66 I think, Maude, you must hardly call me an impartial judge, for you know you have an old trick of persuading me to anything." "Thank you, sir, but on the present occasion I seek justice, not indulgence," said Maude, drawing her slim form to its utmost height with mock gravity. 66 "Begin then; I promise to be rigidly, sternly, severely just." "Well then, in the first place, in this christian, moral, cultivated, and elevated country, you acknowledge some degree of equality between the sexes." Granted." "Though woman's part to play may be the second, and though in depth of intellect she may be inferior, still you allow that a religious, moral, and responsible being, she is on the same level as man." 66 cr Certainly." Why, Madge," began Uncle Abel, but Sir Charles, much amused, held up his finger to silence him. Mrs. de Snobyn and her daughters exchanged looks not unmingled with contempt. "Then," pursued Maude, "such amusements, and relaxations, as men have, should, when not unfeminine in their nature, be conceded to women also." 66 Undoubtedly." "You are fond of field sports.' 66 Very." "And you admire the dogs which are so important an adjunct to them ?" 66 Admire, certainly. I think a pack of hounds in full cry the finest sight and sound in the world." "But field ?" you do not like ladies to join the |