A SMALL DINNER-PARTY It is sad to have to record that all Kate's persuasions with her cousin, all her own earnest attempts at conciliation, and her ably-planned schemes to escape a difficulty, were only so much labour lost.

A stern message from her father commanded her to make no change either in the house or the service of the dinner--an interference with domestic cares so novel on his part as to show that he had prepared himself for hostilities, and was resolved to meet his enemy boldly.
'It's no use, all I have been telling you, Nina,' said Kate, as she re-entered her room, later in the day.

'Papa orders me to have everything as usual, and won't even let me give Miss Betty an early dinner, though he knows she has nine miles of a ride to reach home.' 'That explains somewhat a message he has sent myself,' replied Nina, 'to wear my very prettiest toilet and my Greek cap, which he admired so much the other day.' 'I am almost glad that _my_ wardrobe has nothing attractive,' said Kate, half sadly.

'I certainly shall never be rebuked for my becomingness.' 'And do you mean to say that the old woman would be rude enough to extend her comments to _me_ ?' 'I have known her do things quite as hardy, though I hope on the present occasion the other novelties may shelter you.' 'Why isn't your brother here?
I should insist on his coming down in discreet black, with a white tie and that look of imposing solemnity young Englishmen assume for dinner.' 'Dick guessed what was coming, and would not encounter it.' 'And yet you tell me you submit to all this for no earthly reason.

She can leave you no legacy, contribute in no way to your benefit.