Ah, Mr.Hardcastle, what an adorable evening you have provided for us! Mr.Dick Hardcastle, permit me to congratulate you upon attaining your majority, than which, believe me, there is but one greater blessing in the world--that of minority.

I see you have not yet abandoned all the privileges of the latter, however," he added, as Dick caught Bell round the waist and gave her a sounding salute on the cheek.

"That is an alleviation it seems unfair to monopolize." Bell laughed and boxed Dick's ears, whereupon he speedily kissed her again, and Mr.Hardcastle chuckled and pulled one of the long, light braids hanging over her back.

Bell's blonde hair, with her black eyes, was her strong point, and she invariably dressed it a la Kenwigs when she wore a hat.

None of Miss Bell's lights ran any danger of ever being hidden under a bushel.
"Ha, ha!" laughed Mr.Hardcastle.