Lorne had charge of the cold tongue and Advena was entrusted with the pickled pears.

The rest of the family were expected to think about the tea biscuits and the cake, for Lobelia had never yet had a successor that was any hand with company.

Mrs Murchison had enough to do to pour out the tea.

It was a table to do anybody credit, with its glossy damask and the old-fashioned silver and best china that Mrs Murchison had brought as a bride to her housekeeping--for, thank goodness, her mother had known what was what in such matters--a generous attractive table that you took some satisfaction in looking at.

Mrs Murchison came of a family of noted housekeepers; where she got her charm I don't know.