"Friday--kedgeree!" added Vernley. "Saturday--grilled ham!" supplemented Muriel. "Sunday--two eggs," contributed Alice. "Monday--" began Tod. He was interrupted by the entrance of Mr. Vernley. "I suppose you children are reciting the food calendar as usual?" "Yes, Dad,--it's your turn," cried Vernley. "Monday--?" "Monday--liver and bacon!" "Really," commented Mrs. Vernley, "if cook heard the way you make fun of her infinite variety--" "She might give us sausage twice a week which would please me!" said Tod. "By the way, Mother, is Mrs. Graham coming to-day?" "Yes, I want you to meet the 11.15, she will arrive by that." "Let's all go!" cried Vernley. "Jove, she's a stunner, Scissors!" "Bobbie dear!" remonstrated Mrs. Vernley, "you mustn't talk of Mrs. Graham like that!" "Why not, Mother? I told her she was a stunner once and she pinked with delight." "I don't know where you boys pick up all your slang," said Mr. Vernley. "We get so many M.P.s in the house, pater," suggested Tod. "Will you play me a round of golf? I did four and seven in bogie yesterday." "When?" "This afternoon--three o'clock," said Tod. "Remember, dear, we have Mr. Crimp coming to tea," urged Mrs. Vernley. "Then I'll play you, Tod," Mr. Vernley said decisively. "My dear, why do you ask that man?" "Because, being a tactful wife, I know he is worth two hundred votes to you." "He turns my tea sour," complained Tod. "The pater and I will stay out to tea." "That's not fair," cried Muriel. "It means I shall have to talk to Mr. Crimp." "On foreign stamps," murmured Bobbie. "He'll love Scissors--don't look so glum, Scissors--you look quite crimpled up!" Tod's aim was unerring; the tea cosy ruffled Vernley's well-plastered hair. "Stop! I won't have my breakfast service smashed!" cried Mrs. Vernley in alarm, but protest was useless. The cosy flew back with redoubled vigour. Its flight was unimpeded by its destined objective, for Tod ducked. It went over his head. Polly who had sat very quiet all through breakfast, received it on her empty plate where it ousted an egg cup with a clatter, and the familiar sound of a crash followed as it broke into a dozen pieces. "You awful children!" cried Mrs. Vernley. "Never mind, Mum," said Tod, bending and kissing her. "You know you're proud of your bouncing offspring." IV