“Yes, I know quite well; you would not invite Ranald, for instance, to dine at your house, to meet your Aunt Frank and the Evanses and the Langfords and the Maitlands,” said Kate, spacing her words with deliberate indignation. “Well, I would not, if you put it in that way,” said Maimie, petulantly, “and you wouldn't either!” “I would ask him to meet every Maitland of them if I could,” said Kate, “and it wouldn't hurt them either.” “Oh, you are so peculiar,” said Maimie, with a sigh of pity. “Am I,” said Kate; “ask Harry,” she continued, as that young man came into the room. “No, you needn't mind,” said Maimie; “I know well he will just side with you. He always does.” “How very amiable of me,” said Harry; “but what's the particular issue?” “Ranald,” said Kate. “Then I agree at once. Besides, he is coming to supper next Sunday evening!” “Oh, Harry,” exclaimed Maimie, in dismay, “on Sunday evening?” “He can't get off any other night; works all night, I believe, and would work all Sunday, too, if his principles didn't mercifully interfere. He will be boss of the concern before summer is over.” “Oh, Harry,” said Maimie, in distress, “and I asked Lieutenant De Lacy and his friend, Mr. Sims, for Sunday evening--” “Sims,” cried Harry; “little cad!” “I'm sure he's very nice,” said Maimie, “and his family--” “Oh, hold up; don't get on to your ancestor worship,” cried Harry, impatiently. “Anyway, Ranald's coming up Sunday evening.” “Well, it will be very awkward,” said Maimie. “I don't see why,” said Kate. “Oh,” cried Harry, scornfully, “he will have on his red flannel shirt and a silk handkerchief, and his trousers will be in his boots; that's what Maimie is thinking of!” “You are very rude, Harry,” said Maimie. “You know quite well that Ranald will not enjoy himself with the others. He has nothing in common with them.” “Oh, I wouldn't worry about that Maimie,” said Kate; “I will talk to Ranald.” But Maimie was not quite sure how she should like that. “You are just your Aunt Frank over again,” said Harry, in a disgusted tone; “clothes and people!” Maimie was almost in tears. “I think you are both very unkind. You know Ranald won't enjoy it. He will be quite miserable, and--they'll just laugh at him!” “Well, they'd better laugh at him when he isn't observing,” said Harry. “Do you think Ranald would really mind?” interposed Kate, addressing Harry. “Do you think he will feel shy and awkward? Perhaps we'd better have him another evening.” “No,” said Harry, decidedly; “he is coming, and he's coming on Sunday evening. He can't get off any other night, and besides, I'd have to lie to him, and he has an unpleasant way of finding you out when you are doing it, and once he does find out why he is not asked for Sunday evening, then you may say good by to him for good and all.” “Oh, no fear of that,” said Maimie, confidently; “Ranald has good sense, and I know he will come again.”