know! 'Pon my
word, I--I mean all right, but some way I always make a mess of it!"

Cyn would have remonstrated further, but Mr. Stanwood said, "We had
better let him be happy in his own way; I suppose he will not be easy
unless we do!"

And so Quimby, much to his satisfaction, was allowed to eat his share of
the feast on a low stool, in the corner, like a naughty school-boy.

Visitors were destined to be numerous to-day, for hardly had Quimby been
served, when a knock at the door was followed by the appearance of Jo,
who tip-toed into the room, and in a mysterious whisper, said,

"I saw Quimby enter this room, bearing utensils that could only be used
for one purpose! I smelt a savory odor! and here I am!"

"And welcome, too!" said Cyn, laughing; "come, sit here by me. Are you
and Mr. Stanwood acquainted?"

"Oh, yes!" replied Jo, perching himself on the arm of a rocking-chair
close to Cyn, and appropriating a wooden cover for a plate as he spoke.
"He and Quimby did me the honor to call on me to-day, but left for metal
more attractive--whether the dinner or you ladies, I will not pretend to
say!"

"It was we ladies, you dreadful matter-of-fact creature!" said Nattie.
"Their presence at the dinner was quite accidental; Cyn and I started
out for a little quiet feast, and behold the result! Bohemian enough for
even you, isn't it, Jo?"

"Exactly what I like!" replied Jo--and very close indeed to Cyn had Jo
managed to get, but then the table was very small--"But the idea of you
two girls proposing to selfishly enjoy such a feast all alone!"

"I begin to think we did make a mistake, in not making preparations for,
and inviting a larger party," acquiesced Cyn.

"I wonder if Miss Rogers has overcome her anger towards offending me?"
questioned Mr. Stanwood, looking at her roguishly, as she helped him to
a second piece of pie.

"My anger towards you?" repeated Nattie, coloring.

"Yes; you did not want me to accept Miss Archer's most kind invitation,
and remain; now confess, did you?" he asked, laughing.

Nattie was rather embarrassed at this instance of the young gentleman's
perceptive faculties, and not exactly able to refute the charge, was
somewhat at loss how to reply.

"I--I do not get acquainted quite so easily as Cyn," she stammered.

"Except on the wire!" Cyn added.

"Except on the wire," repeated Nattie, with a smile; then meeting the
curious glance of Mr. Stanwood, it suddenly flashed upon her that he