You and our sister Angelica had already been planning some kind of a game similar to the one I suggested.

I just happened to think of the same thing.

I don't blame you a lot for not wanting to take me into the game; it was quite natural for you to want all there is in it for yourselves.

Not the least hard feeling in the world, my dears.

But, of course,"-- apologetically,--"you could hardly expect me to give up a rich thing like this, could you ?" His easy, familiar, ironic talk had brought Mrs.De Peyster one large item of relief.