OR, CLARENCE MORTIMER. 105

 

‘¢ Well, she has n0 business to be: so
strict, if she don’t want me to disobey her
rules. Iam sure I have not done the least
bit of harm this afternoon, and I am having
a grand, good time. Why should mother
scold me just for having a little innocent
pleasure ? ” |

So Clare dcongecied into the oyster cellar,
and took his seat at the table with the
others. The hot oysters were brought and
many other good things besides. The boys
made a hearty meal, beguiling the time
with jesting talk and merry songs. And
the wine-bottle, which was ordered with the
rest, passed freely. Clare, not liking wine
at all, and remembering his promise to his
‘mother, allowed his wineglass to remain
just as it had been placed upon the table,

“ee he gave attention to the eatables.