CHAPTER V.
Why the Misses Woodhouse, and Mr.Dale, and Mr.Denner should go to the rectory for their Saturday night games of whist was never very clear to any of them.

The rector did not understand the game, he said, and it was perhaps to learn that he watched every play so closely.

Lois, of course, had no part in it, for Mrs.Dale was always ready to take a hand, if one of the usual four failed.

Mrs.Dale was too impatient to play whist from choice, but she enjoyed the consciousness of doing a favor.
Lois's only occupation was to be useful.

Ashurst was strangely behind the times in thinking that it was a privilege, as it ought to be a pleasure, for young people to wait upon their elders and betters.
True, Mr.Denner, with old-fashioned politeness, always offered his services when Lois went for the wine and cake at close of the rubber; but the little gentleman would have been conscious of distinct surprise had she accepted them, for Lois, in his eyes, was still a little girl.