Page:The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (emended first edition), Volume 1.djvu/294

282 "Who was the gentleman you danced with last," resumed she, after a pause—"that was so officious in helping you on with your shawl?"

"He was not officious at all, aunt: he never attempted to help me, till he saw Mr. Boarham coming to do so; and then he stepped laughingly forward and said, "Come I'll preserve you from that infliction.'"

"Who was it, I ask?" said she, with frigid gravity.

"It was Mr. Huntingdon, the son of uncle's old friend."

"I have heard your uncle speak of young Mr. Huntingdon. I've heard him say, 'He's a fine lad, that young Huntingdon, but a bit wildish I fancy.' So I'd have you beware."

"What does 'a bit wildish' mean?" I enquired.

"It means destitute of principle, and prone to every vice that is common to youth."

"But I've heard uncle say he was a sad wild fellow himself, when he was young."