"I--suppose--not.

But what _can_ we do with her?
Send her to Fred and Mary at the seashore ?" "To sleep in a room seven by twelve, and be devoured by mosquitoes, and have to wear 'good clothes' all the time ?" returned Mrs.Graham.
"Certainly not." "Aunt Emily is going to the mountains," suggested Mr.Graham, doubtfully.
"Yes," replied his wife, "with sixteen trunks, a maid, a footman, and three lapdogs! _That_ would _never_ do for Hilda." "You surely are not thinking of leaving her alone here with the servants ?" The lady shook her head.

"No, dear; such poor wits as Heaven granted me are not yet entirely gone, thank you!" Mr.Graham rose from his chair and flung out both arms in a manner peculiar to him when excited.

"Now, now, now, Mildred!" he said impressively, "I have always said that you were a good woman, and I shall continue to assert the same; but you have powers of tormenting that could not be surpassed by the most heartless of your sex.

It is perfectly clear, even to my darkened mind, that you have some plan for Hilda fully matured and arranged in that scheming little head of yours; so what is your object in keeping me longer in suspense?
Out with it, now! What are you--for of course I am in reality only a cipher (a tolerably large cipher) in the sum--what are you, the commander-in-chief, going to do with Hilda, the lieutenant-general?
If you will kindly inform the orderly-sergeant, he will act accordingly, and endeavor to do his duty." Pretty Mrs.Graham laughed again, and looked up at the six-feet-two of sturdy manhood standing on the hearth-rug, gazing at her with eyes which twinkled merrily under the fiercely frowning brows.