142 MADGE’S MISTAKE,

knock up against Rivington’s broad back:
which is the first object I come across, and
stepping back again hurriedly, I see that he
is helping Father to wheel Mother’s sofa into
the dining-room, so anxious is she to hear
every detail of the eventful afternoon.

Finding there is plenty of time, therefore,
I leisurely follow and seat myself at the
table, quietly enough even to please Father.

The dinner-table is quite lively this even-
ing, though the conversation is chiefly carried
on between Father, Mother, and Aunt: Freda
occasionally makes a remark too, for Father
has been pleased to notice her, her offences,
no doubt, appearing small beside Tiny’s.

After a small lull in the conversation
Father looks up suddenly, and addressing
Mother, says: “Who is asked to dinner
next Tuesday ?”

“Sir John and Lady Bennet,” replies
Mother. “Mr. and Mrs. and Gerty Raynor,
the Teatherstones, Hugh Campbell, Mr.
Greenway, and Capt. Morris.”

“Hem!”—mutters Father, “ fourteen with