And I helped with the beefsteak, the potatoes, and the coffee." "Which latter," said Ralph, "is as strong as if six or seven women had made it, although it is very good." The meal went on until the two hungry men were satisfied, Miriam being so absorbed in Dora's skilful management of herself that she scarcely thought about eating.

There was a place for the woman in pink, if she chose to take it, but she evidently did not wish to sit down.

Whenever she was not occupied in waiting upon those at the table, she bethought herself of some errand in the kitchen.
"Well," said Ralph, "those rolls are made up so prettily, and look so tempting, that I wish I had not finished my supper." "You are right," said the doctor, "they are aesthetic enough for La Fleur," and then pushing back his chair a little, he looked steadfastly, with a slight smile on his face, at the figure, with bowed sunbonnet, which was standing on the other side of the table.
"Well, young woman," he said, "how is your mind by this time ?" For a moment there was silence, and then from out of the sunbonnet there came, clearly and distinctly, the words:-- "That is very well.

How is your kitten ?" At this interchange of remarks, Ralph sat up straight in his chair, amazement in his countenance, while Miriam, ready to burst into a roar of laughter, waited convulsively to see what would happen next.

Turning suddenly toward Ralph, Dora tore off her sunbonnet and dashed it to the floor.