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"Father, you're as teasing as my aunt."

"I've your good at heart in the same way, child. You've been brought up without a mother's care, and have some sad country manners in consequence. You must behave better at table if you want to marry a fine French gentleman."

"I'd sooner marry an Englishman," said Ann. "The French are for ever mocking and mincing."

"Nay, they're civilized. We're louts beside 'em. I trust your aunt to make some improvement in your manners when you live at Conster."

"Then is it settled that we're to live at Conster?"

"Aye, it's settled. Your uncle must take us since we've nowhere else to go, and there'll be plenty of room for us all."

The girls groaned and made faces.

"I don't like Conster," cried Ann, "it's a great gloomy place, all planted round with trees, and they say Galloping Kate's ghost rides down the hill at nights."

"For shame to believe such a tale! Conster Manor's a fine, cheerful house, with twice as many windows as this."

"If we live at Conster," said Bridget, "our aunt will be for ever scolding us."