And when the dressed baskets of strawberries were set in their places all round the table, filling up the spaces, there was a very elegant, flowery, and sparkling appearance of a rich feast.

Why was not Nora there ?--and with the next thought Daisy flew back to the library to find her father.

He was found.
"Oh papa," she said gently, though she had rushed in like a little summer wind, "are you going to come to the feast ?" "What for, my dear ?" "Papa, they will all like it; they will be pleased." "I think they will enjoy themselves better without me." "Papa, I am _sure_ they would be pleased." "I should only make it a constraint for them, Daisy.

I do not think they will want anything but the strawberries--especially if _you_ look at them." "But mamma is not here to speak to them either, papa." "You think somebody must speak to them, eh?
I don't think I can make speeches, Daisy," said Mr.Randolph, stretching himself at ease in a chaise longue.

"But perhaps I may step down and look at them by and by, my dear." There was no more to be done, Daisy knew.