ut
no lamb did he see.

Among other things talked of at table was a carving-knife that Sir
Arthur had made for his sister. From this the conversation passed to
carving. "Now is my chance to find out about my present," thought the
Attorney. "Pray, may I ask," he said to Sir Arthur, "how you carve a
fore quarter of lamb?"

Sir Arthur at once saw what the Attorney wanted to hear. Having
answered his question, he went on to thank him for the present he had
offered, but added, "I am sorry I cannot accept it, as it is my rule
never to accept gifts from my neighbors. The reason is that our poor
tenants cannot show their good will in this way, as they have little
or nothing to offer."

Attorney Case listened with surprise. He was annoyed and angry, for he
did not understand Sir Arthur's just mind and kind heart. After the
ladies left the dining-room and were walking up and down the large
hall, one of them remarked that it would be a charming place for
music. Barbara, who like her father always seized any chance of
turning the conversation as best pleased herself, said what a fine
instrument was the harp. Then she spoke of the prize-giving to the
harpers and of the ball that was to follow. "I know a good deal about
the ball," she said, "because a lady in the town where it is to be
held offered to take me with her, but although she has a carriage,
Papa did not like to let her send it so far." At this point Barbara
fixed her eyes on Miss Somers, that she might, if possible, read her
thoughts, but as the lady was at that moment letting down the veil of
her hat, her face was not seen.

"Shall we go for a little walk before tea?" said Miss Somers to the
other ladies. "I have a pretty guinea-hen to show you." Barbara now
felt hopeful, and when even among the pheasants and peacocks the
guinea-hen was much admired, she was sure that Miss Somers must indeed
be proud to accept her gift.

At this moment Philip came running by on an errand for his mother. As
his eye fell upon the guinea-hen, he exclaimed before he knew, "Why,
that is Susan's guinea-hen!"

"No, it is not Susan's guinea-hen," said Miss Barbara, coloring
furiously, "it is mine, and I have made a present of it to Miss
Somers."

At the sound of Bab's voice, Philip turned round, his face ablaze with
anger.

"What is the matter, Philip?" asked Miss Somers in a soothing voice,
but Philip was not in the mood to be soothed.

"Why, ma'am, may I speak out?" he asked, and