"There, there!" he exclaimed hastily.
"We'll give the boy a chance.

No mother, eh?
And a confounded prig for a father! No wonder the boy goes all wrong!" Then with a sudden vehemence he cried, striking one hand into the other, "No, by--! that is, we will certainly give the lad the benefit of the doubt.

Cheer up, lassie! You've no need to look ashamed," for his niece was wiping her eyes in manifest disgust; "indeed," he said, with a heavy attempt at playfulness, "you are a most excellent diplomat." "Diplomat, Uncle!" cried the girl, vehement indignation in her voice and face.

"Diplomat!" she cried again.

"You don't mean that I've not been quite sincere ?" "No, no, no; not in the least, my dear! But that you have put your case with admirable force." "Oh," said the girl with a breath of relief, "I just put it as I feel it.