Mrs. Negus shook her curls. "Saucy Jonah! if any one else had said that about me he would have been angry. Now I'll go up-stairs. We all have a bad habit of rushing into the parlour when we come in. We go so fast when we are out that we have to sink down into the first resting-place we see when we get home. Bessie, my dear, did Marion put extra tea in the teapot?" "Yes, auntie." "And get a clean cloth?" "Yes, she did." "Well, cut some cake, not in too large pieces, and I'll be down presently," and she was about to dart toward the door when Miss Gastonguay recalled her. "Mary Potts Negus, I'm not going to stay to supper." "Now, now," and the little woman exhibited so much disappointment that Derrice laid a pleading hand on her new friend's knee. "I never do such a thing in the world." "Make a beginning, then, I'd love to have you, particularly as you send me such good checks for these little ones." "But I've got my niece here." "That is no matter; she often comes." "Very well," said Miss Gastonguay, with resignation. "Go, one of you boys, and send my carriage home." The twins whipped out-of-doors, and Miss Gastonguay thoughtfully watched Derrice, who had seated herself on the hearth-rug and was tickling the baby's dimpled chin until he shrieked with delight. "Where's your husband, child?" "In Bangor," said Derrice. "And do you always get your meals here when he is absent?" "Nearly always." "You must make it up to Mrs. Negus. Her purse isn't very deep and she keeps on adopting children." "I have written to my father to send me some money for her." Miss Gastonguay hastily opened her mouth, then closed it again, for Chelda stood before her. "You are going to stay, aunt?" she asked, in slight surprise. "Yes." Chelda made no comment, and even went to play with Derrice and the baby on the hearth-rug, but Miss Gastonguay saw from her manner that she was not pleased. CHAPTER XVI. A PARTIAL SURRENDER. In the midst of Derrice's frolic with the baby, Captain White appeared in the doorway. "Good night," he said, composedly. "Just as if he were going to bed," Chelda superciliously reflected. This assemblage was becoming altogether too plebeian for her taste. Derrice turned around in reproachful surprise. "Captain White, I particularly hoped that you would not come." "Did you, Cousin Derrice? I guess you haven't a monopoly of this house. Mrs. Prymmer's off to a religious tea-party with some of the sisters, and Mrs. Negus, seeing me on the steps and thinking I looked lonely, asked me over. Please give me that baby." "I am just having a little play with him myself." "Keep him if you can," said Captain White. "Come, beauty," and he held out his arms to the child. "Look at him now."