She flattered herself they were lucid enough to need no second delivery.

She therefore repeated her remark slowly and in precisely the same words and tone-- "I hope that there is no consideration as to health which debars you from this very desirable exercise, Mr Riddell ?" Riddell took half a moment to consider, and then replied, triumphantly, "I'm quite well, thank you, ma'am." "I am pleased to hear that," said Mrs Patrick, rather icily, for this last observation had seemed to her a little rude.

"Very," chimed in Miss Stringer.
After this there was a silence, which Riddell devoutly hoped might last till it was time to go.

Had the ladies not been there he would have liked very much to speak to the doctor about school matters, and the doctor, but for the same cause, would have wished to talk to his head boy.

But it was evident this tea-table was not the place for such conversation.
"I hear," said the doctor, after the pause had continued some time, addressing his sister-in-law, "there is likely to be an election in Shellport before long; Sir Abraham is retiring." "Indeed, you surprise me," said Miss Stringer.