His eyes become dreamy again; but after a moment the old smile returns, and, as if begging pardon, in a half bewildered way, he resumes: "However, his position is trying.

Fortunately there wasn't any mistake except of his own." He is silent again.

After a little while he asks, "Couldn't we have some music?
Ellen, can't you sing something ?" Ellen thinks she can, if Gabriel will sing second; Gabriel says he will try, with pleasure; but really--he is so overwhelmed--the state of his voice--he feigns a little cough--if the crowded and fashionable audience will excuse--he really--in fact, he will--but he is sure-- During this little banter Nellie cries, "Pooh, pooh!" mamma looks pleased, and papa smiles gently.

Then the fresh young voices of the brother and sister mingle in "Bonnie Doon." The room is not very light, for there is but one lamp upon the table by which the singers sit.

The parents sit together upon the sofa; and as the song proceeds the hand of the mother steals into that of the father, which holds it closely, while his arm creeps noiselessly around her waist.