madam; we can accommodate you in that and will be happy to
do so."

Then turning to the spectators, "Can you tell us our word, ladies and
gentlemen?" he asked.

"Innkeeper," was the prompt response from several voices.

"Quite correct," he said. Then with a sweeping bow, "This closes our
entertainment for the evening, and with many thanks for their kind
attention we bid our audience a grateful adieu."

Half an hour later tea was served, and upon the conclusion of the meal
the guests began to take their departure.

The family separated for the night earlier than usual, but Harold and
Herbert followed their mother to her dressing-room, asking if she felt
too weary for a little chat with them.

"Not at all," she said with her own sweet smile. "I know of nothing that
would afford me greater satisfaction than one of the oldtime motherly
talks with my dear college boys; so come in, my dears, and let us have
it."

Harold drew forward an easy chair for her, but she declined it. "No, I
will sit on the sofa, so that I can have you close to me, one on each
side," she said.

"That will suit your boys, exactly, mamma, if you will be quite as
comfortable," said Herbert, placing a hassock for her feet, as she
seated herself.

"Quite," she returned, giving a hand to each as they placed themselves
beside her. "Now remember that your mother will be glad of your
confidence in everything that concerns you, great or small; nothing that
interests you or affects your happiness in the very least, can fail to
have an interest for her."

"We know it, dearest mamma," said Harold, "and are most happy in the
assurance that such is the fact."

"Yes," assented Herbert, lifting her hand to his lips, "and it is that
which makes a private chat with our mother so great a delight; that and
our mutual love. Mamma, dear, I can not believe I shall ever meet
another woman who will seem to me at all comparable to my dearly loved
and honored mother."

"Such words from the lips of my son are very sweet to my ear," she
responded, a tender light shining in her eyes, "and yet for your own
sake I hope you are mistaken; I would have all my children know the
happiness to be found in married life where mutual admiration, esteem
and love are so great that the two are as one."

"Such a marriage as yours, mamma?"

"Yes; there could not be a happier. But I am looking far ahead for my
college boys," she added with a smile; "at least I trust so; for you ar