Page:Cuthbert Bede--Little Mr Bouncer and Tales of College Life.djvu/177

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AND HIS FRIEND VERDANT GREEN.
157

CHAPTER XXII.


LITTLE MR. BOUNCER LEAVES THE WOODLANDS FOR "THE LITTLE VILLAGE."


RECLINING on the grassy slope of Firs Hill were other patients of the Institution, who were not joining in the dance to the music of the band; but poor Mrs. Flabby sat apart from these, and sheltering herself from the hot sun with a large parasol, looked sadly towards the fair stretch of landscape that was spread before her. In accordance with the sanction that he had received from Dr. Dustacre, little Mr. Bouncer went to her and introduced himself, in true English fashion, by a remark upon the weather.

"How highly favoured we are, ma'am; it is just the very day for a pic-nic, is it not? I hope that you have enjoyed it."