You'll kill me." "You seem amused," said Hardy, between his teeth.
"And you'll be Kate's uncle," said Mr.Nugent, sitting up and wiping his eyes.

"Poor little Kate." He put his head on the table again.

"And mine," he wailed.

"_Uncle jemmy!_--will you tip us half-crowns, nunky ?" Mr.Hardy's expression of lofty scorn only served to retard his recovery, but he sat up at last and, giving his eyes a final wipe, beamed kindly upon his victim.
"Well, I'll do what I can for you," he observed, "but I suppose you know Kate's off for a three months' visit to London to-morrow ?" The other observed that he didn't know it, and, taught by his recent experience, eyed him suspiciously.
"It's quite true," said Nugent; "she's going to stay with some relatives of ours.

She used to be very fond of one of the boys--her cousin Herbert--so you mustn't be surprised if she comes back engaged.