at when it is a take-off on
scientists?" she asked.

"We can appreciate humor even when it is at our expense, child. Now
let's go to lunch. You girls may then visit Rachel while I go into the
town. I must look after some matters of Henry's. I will join you as you
leave the woods coming back from Rachel's. On our way home we will call
upon our new neighbors. I am curious about that prodigy of whom Beatrice
was speaking. Then, too, I wish to see if they will be pleasant
acquaintances for you. If they are it would not be so lonesome for you
girls should I be called from home, as it sometimes happens that I am."

Bee sighed as they went to the dining room. He spoke exactly as though
Adele was always to be with them. She had felt a little out of things
that morning, and perhaps her manner held the slightest tinge of
asperity. Adele ran at once to the head of the table.

"I want to pour the coffee today, Bee," she cried, her white hands
fluttering among the cups like flower petals.

"No;" spoke Bee emphatically, pushing her to one side. "That is _my_
duty, Adele."

"Beatrice," exclaimed her father, "I am surprised. What difference does
it make? If your cousin wishes to pour the coffee, let her do so.
Remember, she is your guest." So he spoke, for no man ever understands
all that serving at her own table means to a woman, or girl child.

"I do remember, father. She is the one who forgets. As hostess this is
my place, and I will not give it up to any one."

"'Will not' are strong words, my daughter. What if I were to command
you?"

"Then I should have to obey you, father." The girl found herself
trembling with anger. "But you, sir, would be forgetting what was due
to your daughter."

"You are impertinent, Beatrice," he remarked coldly. "There are times
when your manner leaves much to be desired."

"I would just as soon sit here, Uncle William," broke in Adele. "It was
just a notion of mine. I didn't dream that Bee would care. It does not
matter in the least."

"Thank you, my dear." The doctor's eyes softened. He was displeased that
his daughter should exhibit such outbursts of temper, as she
occasionally gave way to, and his formality toward her during the meal
made his disapprobation quite apparent.

Bee was aware that she had placed herself in the wrong by losing her
temper, and her hands shook so that she could scarcely hold the cups.

"Oh, I wish I didn't act this way," she thought remorsefully. "It is so
h