The girls were in white to-day, not well made, and very bunchy and thick of texture.

But still the dresses were white, and round each modest waist was girdled a sash of virgin blue.
"It makes me almost weep to look at the dear children," whispered Mrs.
Bell to her husband.

"They look so innocent and lamb-like, more particularly Matty." Here she sighed profoundly.
"I don't see why you should single out Matty," retorted the spouse.
"She's no more than the others, as far as I can see, and Sophy has the reddest cheeks." "That's all you know," said Mrs.Bell.Here she almost shook herself with disdain.

"Well, Peter, I often do wonder what Pas are for--not for observation, and not for smoothing a girl's path, and helping an ardent young lover.

Oh, no, no!" "Helping an ardent young lover, Tilly! Whatever are you talking about?
Where is he?
I don't see him." "You make me sick, Peter.