The dishes were odd, some of china, some of delf, and were continually moved out of their places, for we helped ourselves, although Temperance stayed in the room, ostensibly as a waiter.

She was too much engaged in conversation to fulfill her duties that way.

I looked round the room; nothing had been added to it, except red damask curtains, which were out of keeping with the old chintz covers.

It was a delightful room, however; the blue sea glimmered between the curtains, and, turning my eyes toward it, my heart gave the leap which I had looked for.

I grew blithe as I saw it winking under the rays of the afternoon sun, and, clapping my hands, said I was glad to get home.