102 MADGE’S MISTAKE,

of unlimited ices, and had had more than one
talk on the subject. Miss M. makes a diver-
sion by asking Jack if he intends going,
adding that she could manage to drive with
a fourth in the carriage for once.

“No, thanks!” replies Jack not over
graciously. “No; you don’t catch me going
six miles on a day like this to look at what
I can see at home any day. Many thanks
for the offer, though,” he adds, catching a
reproving glance from Aunt; “but I really
couldn't do it. It’s all very well for girls,
but I haven’t any finery to show off.”

Breakfast over, we disperse in different
directions; and, after having prowled about
the poultry-yard, stables, menagerie, &c., I
wander at last into Mother’s boudoir, where
I find her lying on the sofa alone.

Mother puts her book down as I seat
myself beside her, and, taking my hand in
hers, says:

“And how is my Madge to-day?”

“Oh, all right!” I reply cheerfully ; “it’s as
hot as ever, I think, Mother.”