My dear Elsie," turning to Mrs.Travilla, "I beg you to excuse our ill-manners.

It strikes me that none of us are behaving quite as we ought this morning.
Hal and Archie, what's wrong between you now ?" For the two boys, seated side by side, were scowling at each other, and muttering angrily half under their breath.
"Why, ma, he went and took the very piece of meat I just said I was going to have," whimpered Archie, digging his fists into his eyes.
"Well, I don't care," retorted Harry, "I'd as good a right as you, and I was ready first." "Give him a part of it, can't you ?" said his mother.
"'Tain't more'n I want myself." "I won't have it after it's been on his plate," exclaimed both together.
"Boys, I'm ashamed of you!" said Lucy, "I wish your father were here to keep you straight.

You don't dare behave so before him.

I'm sure your little friends would never act so.

Don't you see how your naughtiness astonishes them?
Vi, would you talk to your mamma as my children do to me ?" The large blue eyes opened wide upon the questioner in half incredulous, reproachful surprise, then turned upon the beautiful, gentle face of Mrs.
Travilla with an expression of ardent affection mingled with admiration and respect.