Friendly people are scarce, are they not, Mr.Cunliffe?
By the bye,' holding up a taper finger loaded with sparkling rings, 'I have a scolding in store for you.

Why did you not examine my class as usual last Sunday ?--the children tell me you never came near them.' 'I had so little time that I asked Tudor to take the classes for me,' he returned quickly, but he was looking at Miss Hamilton as he spoke.

'I am always sure of the children in that class: they have been so thoroughly well taught that there is very little need for me to interfere.' 'It would encourage their teachers if you were to do so,' returned Miss Darrell, smiling graciously.

She evidently appropriated the praise to herself, but I am sure Uncle Max was not thinking of her when he spoke.
Just then Lady Betty came into the room, followed by Mr.Tudor.
Lady Betty looked almost pretty to-night.

She wore a dark ruby velveteen that exactly suited her brown skin; her fluffy hair was tolerably smooth, and she had a bright colour.