Flora had managed admirably, and the only mishap was some awkward carving of Ethel's which had caused the dish to be changed with Norman.

As to the guest, Flora said he was very good-looking and agreeable.

Ethel abruptly pronounced, "I am very glad Aunt Flora married Uncle Arnott instead." "I can't think why," said Flora.

"I never saw a person of pleasanter manners." "Did they talk of old times ?" said Margaret.
"No," said Ethel; "that was the thing." "You would not have them talk of those matters in the middle of dinner," said Flora.
"No," again said Ethel; "but papa has a way--don't you know, Margaret, how one can tell in a moment if it is company talk." "What was the conversation about ?" said Margaret.
"They talked over some of their fellow-students," said Flora.
"Yes," said Ethel; "and then when papa told him that beautiful history of Dr.Spencer going to take care of those poor emigrants in the fever, what do you think he said?
'Yes, Spencer was always doing extravagant things.' Fancy that to papa, who can hardly speak of it without having to wipe his spectacles, and who so longs to hear of Dr.Spencer." "And what did he say ?" "Nothing; so Flora and Sir Matthew got to pictures and all that sort of thing, and it was all company talk after that." "Most entertaining in its kind," said Flora: "but--oh, Norman!" as he entered--"why, they are not out of the dining-room yet!" "No; they are talking of some new invention, and most likely will not come for an hour." "Are you going to bed ?" "Papa followed me out of the dining-room to tell me to do so after tea." "Then sit down there, and I'll go and make some, and let it come up with Margaret's.

Come, Ethel.