I intend to invite some people here to tea next week, and you may as well write the invitations for me now." Austin's face lengthened.

"Oh, why ?" he sighed.

"It isn't as though there was anybody worth asking--and really, the horrid creatures that infest this neighbourhood--.

Whom do you want to ask ?" "I'm astonished at you, speaking of our friends like that," replied his aunt, severely.

"They're not horrid creatures; they're all very nice and kind.