Uncle Loveday's costume was even more singular; for the first time I saw him without a single brass button, and for the first time I understood how much he owed to those decorations.

His first words were-- "Jasper, I hope you are telling me the truth.

Your mother told me yesterday of some cock-and-bull story concerning the _Anna Maria_ or some such vessel.

I hope this is not another such case.

I have told you often enough where little boys who tell falsehoods go to." My white face must have been voucher for my truth on this occasion; for Aunt Elizabeth cut him short with the single word "Breakfast," and haled me into the little parlour whilst the pair went to dress.
As I waited, I heard the sound of the pony without, and presently Aunt Elizabeth returned in her ordinary costume to worry the small servant who laid breakfast.