"'Good-morning, uncle,' said she, addressing that personage, who paused on the threshold in a state of petrifaction.
"'Have you been long downstairs, Miss Keeldar, and alone with Mr. Moore?'
"'Yes, a very long time. We both came down early; it was scarcely light.'
"'The proceeding is improper----'
"'It was at first, I was rather cross, and not civil; but you will perceive that we are now friends.'
"'I perceive more than you would wish me to perceive.'
"'Hardly, sir,' said I; 'we have no disguises. Will you permit me to intimate that any further observations you have to make may as well be addressed to me? Henceforward I stand between Miss Keeldar and all annoyance.'

"'Good-morning, uncle,' said she, addressing the person who paused on the threshold in a state of petrifaction.
"'Have you been long downstairs, Miss Keeldar, and alone with Mr. Moore?'
"'Yes, a very long time. We both came down early.'
"'The proceeding is improper-'
"'I was rather cross at first, and not civil; but you will perceive that we are now friends.'
"'I perceive more than you would wish me to perceive.'
"'Hardly, sir,' said I; 'we have no disguises. If you have any further observations to make, they may as well be addressed to me. Henceforward I stand between Miss Keeldar and all annoyance.'
