How did you find the other planets this morning, my dear?
Is it true that Saturn has lost one of his rings?
and has the Sun recovered from his last attack of spots?
I really fear," he would add, turning to Hilda, "that this preternatural activity in your comet-parent portends some alarming change in the--a--atmospheric phenomena, my child.

I would have you on your guard!" and then he would look at her and sigh, shake his head, and apply himself to the cold chicken with melancholy vigor.
Hilda thought nothing of her father's remarks,--papa was always talking nonsense, and she thought she always understood him perfectly.

It did occur to her, however, to wonder at her mother's leaving her out on all her shopping expeditions.

Hilda rather prided herself on her skill in matching shades and selecting fabrics, and mamma was generally glad of her assistance in all such matters.

However, perhaps it was only under-clothing and house-linen, and such things that she was buying.