ery dangerous, and she is so fascinating."

"It's ridiculous for a woman to go on so," returned the spinster,
shaking her head in vehement agitation; "you may just tell her it's no
use, my pa isn't likely to be caught with chaff like that."

"Oh, but Mrs. Harrington is considered irresistible."

"Well, I can't see it for my part," retorted Jemima; "She's a tolerable
specimen of antique painting; but my pa isn't given to the fine arts."

"Oh! Mrs. Harrington," called Elsie, "I wish you could induce Mr. Rhodes
to give us a picnic in his woods before the weather gets too cold--they
are delightful. I daren't ask him, but you might venture, I'm sure."

Miss Jemima looked as if she had three minds to strangle the pretty
torment on the spot.

"Excuse me, dear," said Mrs. Harrington, "I am sure I could have no
influence."

"Oh, you painted humbug!" muttered Jemima.

"I should be delighted--charmed!" exclaimed Mr. Rhodes. "Madam, it would
be a day never to be forgotten that honored my poor house with your
presence," he broke off, puffing till the brass buttons on his coat
shook like hailstones.

"Oh, you are a dreadful flatterer, I see!" answered the widow, quite
aware of Jemima's rage, and delighted to increase it.

"Madam," said the stout man, "on the honor of a gentleman, I never
flatter. Miss Elsie, defend me."

"Not unless you promise to get up the picnic," said the little witch.
"Miss Jemima is anxious to have it----"

"Me," broke in the acid damsel, unable to endure anything more, "I am
sure I never thought of such a thing, don't speak for me, if you
please."

"But you will be delighted, you know you will."

"Pa's got to go to Philadelphia," said Jemima, sharply.

"But I could defer the trip, Mimy," said her parent, appealingly.

"Business is business, you always say," retorted the damsel.

Elsie gave a little scream.

"Why, how odd," said she. "Mrs. Harrington goes to Philadelphia next
week you can escort her, Mr. Rhodes, she is a sad coward about
travelling alone."

"I shall be delighted," said the widower, "delighted."

Jemima fairly groaned; she made a strangling effort to turn her agony
into a cough, but it began as a groan; both Elsie and Mrs. Harrington
were convinced of that, and it delighted them beyond measure.

"It would be very, very kind of Mr. Rhodes," said the widow, "but Elsie,
you are inconsiderate, to think of him taking so much trouble only for
us, and I a stranger."

"It wou