he season justified. After twenty-five years
of married life, it was still a delight to this husband and wife to
steal off for a holiday by themselves, and Mrs Rendell took the same
delight in her husband's approval as when she had first become his wife.
Every detail of her attire was daintily correct, and so pretty did she
look, so trig and smart, that her six big daughters stared at her in
admiration.

"Perfectly s-weet!" was Chrissie's verdict; then her eyes passed on to
her handsome, stalwart father, and a twinkle of amusement showed in her
eyes. "They both do! And so spick and span--everything new from head
to foot. They might be a newly-married couple--a trifle elderly, but
ve-ry well preserved! I shouldn't wonder if people thought they were.
How would it be if we hid a little rice?--"

"Happy thought! A most delicate attention. Keep them talking for a few
minutes while I pay a visit to the kitchen," cried Nan, deftly nipping
up the roll of umbrellas, and disappearing from the hall, to return with
the meekest of meek faces, and bid a fond adieu to the parents for whose
confusion she had been planning.

When the carriage drove off, the conspiracy was divulged to the other
girls, who fully appreciated the humour of the position, but were
unanimously eager to disclaim responsibility.

"I'd give worlds to be there when they open the straps!" cried Agatha.
"It will be too killingly funny. They will both jump and get red in the
face--father from laughter, and mother from rage. Oh-oh, it's lovely;
but I didn't do it, remember! I hadn't a suspicion of it until this
minute!"

"I couldn't have allowed it, if you had consulted me, but I'm glad you
didn't!" Maud declared. "It will be exciting hearing how it comes off.
They won't need rugs or umbrellas in the train, but crossing the
Channel mother is sure to feel chilly, as she will never sit in the
cabin. Father will settle her comfortably in a chair on deck and
proceed to unfasten the rugs. Every one will look on, for there is
nothing else to do on board ship but stare at your companions. Then
patter, patter, patter, down the rice will fall, and roll along the
deck. I can see it all! And the more they blush, the younger they will
look; and the angrier and more confused they are, the more natural it
will seem. Oh, I do hope and trust it comes off on the steamer!"

"It would be even better in the train!" said Lilias wisely. "If they
once get settled i