"It's that full I could scarcely get the lid on." The tea was strong, and acrid with the sting of the wood smoke, but there was no avoiding another cupful, and Deringham drank determinedly, while his daughter felt that she had made full atonement when she set her cup down half empty.

Then Alton, who explained that he had something to attend to, went away, and Seaforth smiled at the girl when Deringham went in for another cigar.
"I wonder if one might venture to congratulate you on your resolution ?" he said.
"If I knew exactly what you meant I could answer more readily," said Alice Deringham.
"Well," said Seaforth reflectively, "I fancy you do, and, if it's any comfort to you, I think Harry does too.

He is considerably less of a fool than folks who do not understand this country might suppose him to be; but the point is, that if he can prevent it you will not suffer an infliction of this kind again." "I wonder why you thought it worth while to tell me," said Alice Deringham.

"Have I admitted that it was an affliction, or do you suppose I am very frightened of a little indifferent tea ?" Seaforth laughed.

"I can't fancy you so fond of it as the cook seems to conclude, and I don't think indifferent was exactly the word.