I won't say that Petherton always knows how good a book may be, but I'd trust him any day to say how bad." Mr.Longdon, who had sat throughout silent and still, quitted his seat at this and evidently in so doing gave Mrs.Brook as much occasion as she required.

She also got up and her movement brought to her view at the door of the further room something that drew from her a quick exclamation.

"He can tell us now then--for here they come!" Lord Petherton, arriving with animation and followed so swiftly by his young companion that she presented herself as pursuing him, shook triumphantly over his head a small volume in blue paper.

There was a general movement at the sight of them, and by the time they had rejoined their friends the company, pushing back seats and causing a variety of mute expression smoothly to circulate, was pretty well on its feet.

"See--he HAS pulled her off!" said Mrs.Brook.