CHAPTER VIII.
THEY MEET AN AUTHOR.
"People maybe taken in _once_, who imagine that an author is greater in private life than other men.

Uncommon parts require uncommon opportunities for their exertion." Dr.Johnson.
Mrs.Henfrey in taking leave of Amelia had expressed her pleasure at the prospect of shortly seeing her again.

They were all coming by invitation to lunch, the next day, at her Uncle Augustus Mortimer's house, because in the afternoon there was to be a horticultural show in the town.

They always went to these shows, she continued, and this one would have a particular interest for them, as John Mortimer's gardener, who had once been their gardener, was to carry off the first prize.

"And if you ask him what the prize is for," said one of the girls, "he will tell you it is for 'airly 'tates.'" Accordingly the next day there was a gathering of Mortimers and their families.