The dog's eyes and ears expressed reproachful surprise.

His friend Ovid had treated him rudely for the first time in his life.
"If the young lady contracts a matrimonial engagement of which you disapprove," Mr.Mool answered, "you are instructed by the testator to assert your reasons in the presence of--well, I may describe it, as a family council; composed of Mr.Gallilee, and of Lord and Lady Northlake." "Excessively foolish of Robert," Mrs.Gallilee remarked.

"And what, Mr.
Mool, is this meddling council of three to do ?" "A majority of the council, Mrs.Gallilee, is to decide the question absolutely.

If the decision confirms your view, and if Miss Carmina still persists in her resolution notwithstanding--" "Am I to give way ?" Mrs.Gallilee asked.
"Not until your niece comes of age, ma'am.

Then, she decides for herself." "And inherits the fortune ?" "Only an income from part of it--if her marriage is disapproved by her guardian and her relatives." "And what becomes of the rest ?" "The whole of it," said Mr.Mool, "will be invested by the Trustees, and will be divided equally, on her death, among her children." "Suppose she leaves no children ?" "That case is provided for, ma'am, by the last clause.