The guests brought wonderful appetites to the feast.

The conversation was subdued, for in Mrs.Stanhope's presence the children's liveliness was somewhat checked.

Elsli spoke least, and also partook least of the tempting viands.

Her abstinence attracted the attention of Fred, who sat next her, and, in spite of a warning shove which she gave him under the table, to show him that she wished to avoid observation, he exclaimed in a loud whisper:-- "What's the matter with you, Elsli?
Why don't you eat ?" After supper Mrs.Stanhope led them all out upon the terrace, and they sat down in a semicircle on the garden benches.

Then she told them that she had a plan of taking them very soon on a steamboat excursion down the Rhine, as far as Cologne; where there was a remarkably fine zooelogical garden which they would all visit together.