WE DISCUSS FATHER’S RIVAL. 19

“No, thank goodness!” answers Jack,
“and, what is better, he won’t be in till just
before dinner—why, though?” he suddenly
asks, raising himself on his elbow.

“Oh! nothing,” I answer with great un-
concern,—then, after a pause,—

“ Jack, how far is it to M

“Between five and six miles, I believe;
but what do you want to know for, pray; are
you going on an excursion there?”

I feel myself growing red, but I answer
with great dignity, “I should have thought
that Father having gone there was sufficient
reason for my asking anything.”

Q”

 

“Hum, yes; perhaps so,” says Jack; “but
I advise you not to be up to any larks,” he
adds, with brotherly interest. “ Father’s not
in the best of tempers just now, and I don’t
think it would be well to trifle with him.”

“Why?” I ask, anxiously.

“Well, you know,” returns Jack, “he has
the rose-show on his mind for one thing;
you know there’s a report that old Monckton
will get the prize—and certainly there seems