"Oh, you mean Master Toady," she said, all dimples in a moment at the recollection. "He comes here often. But the garden is large, and bless him! even he can't eat more than he can. More than that, he often leaves a rabbit, or even a brace--and my man havin' been a butcher, is remarkable fond of a bit o' game." "Yes," I said, "my brother's shootings are like your garden, extensive. Still, it is a wonder how he can keep them up on a shilling a day, and all but twopence of it deferred pay!" "It is a wonder, now I come to think of it!" said the good lady meditatively. "He must be a careful lad with his money!" "What I wonder at,"--I went on talking as soon as I had got her settled back again at the picking of the gooseberries--"is that you never thought of making the prettiest little shop-window in the world of your cakes and pasties and jams and candies. You know nobody can make them in the least like you. Besides, I have spoken to my father and others who know lots more about it, and every one is sure that such a thing would be a great boon to Edam, and that you are the very person to take it in hand. It would not be like an ordinary shop. For every one knows that your husband has made his fortune and retired. But it would give you something to do. Shall I speak to Mr. Donnan about it?" The poor woman flushed with pleasure at the very idea. So much I could see. Yet she hesitated. "HE would never consent--his position--his politics--Oh, no!" Mrs. Donnan considered that I had better not speak to the master--at least not then. However, I thought differently, and it was after the good lady had asked me to stay to tea that my chance came. Donnan came in, fanning himself with his broad-brimmed Panama. Things had not been going well that afternoon. Nipper had been busy on account of a rush of trade, and had not welcomed his father's criticisms too gratefully. You see, the old man was accustomed to find fault with Nipper's management, and that day there had been a shortage of ice in the shop and a corresponding shortage in Nipper's temper. Also, Mr. Donnan's more general perambulation had not turned out well. Some rude and vagrant boys had dug out the pet wasp-nest he had been saving up for the next dark night, and there were green flies all over his best Lasalle rose-tree. Two of his best Dorkings had "laid away." "I don't want any tea to-day, Cynthia!" he grumbled crossly. And without looking at me he went to the sofa and threw himself down with a heavy creaking of furniture. "My dear," said his wife, "surely you have not seen this young lady who has come to do you the honor of taking tea with you?" "Nonsense," said I, "as long as there are such cakes to be had at New Erin Villa, the honor is all on my side." But the polite Irishman was already on his feet.