As they came near the door of their sitting-room, Mrs.
Staines heard somebody laughing and talking to her husband.

The laugh, to her subtle ears, did not sound musical and genial, but keen, satirical, unpleasant; so it was with some timidity she opened the door, and there sat the old chap with the twinkling eyes.

Both parties stared at each other a moment.
"Why, it is them," cried the old gentleman.

"Ha! ha! ha! ha! ha!" Rosa colored all over, and felt guilty somehow, and looked miserable.
"Rosa dear," said Dr.Staines, "this is our Uncle Philip." "Oh!" said Rosa, and turned red and pale by turns; for she had a great desire to propitiate Uncle Philip.
"You were in the auction-room, sir ?" said Mrs.Cole, severely.
"I was, madam.

He! he!" "Furnishing a house ?" "No, ma'am.