"We gave up our usual dinner this evening as papa had to leave so early." Mr.Brooks smiled as he offered his arm to Mrs.Bullsom--a courtesy which much embarrassed her.
"I think," he said, "that we shall be able to show you some practical appreciation of your thoughtfulness.

I know nothing so stimulating to the appetite as politics, and to-day we have been so busy that I missed even my afternoon tea." "I'm sure that we are quite repaid for giving up our dinner," Selina remarked, with a backward glance at the young man.

"Oh, here you are at last, Mary.

I didn't hear you come in." "My niece, Miss Scott," Mr.Bullsom announced.

"Now you know all the family." A plainly-dressed girl with dark eyes and unusually pale cheeks returned his greeting quietly, and followed them into the dining-room.