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"Guess, guess!" broke in Nell impatiently

Dick smiled contemptuously

"Some conceited clown to lecture in the schoolroom?" he said "We know

you of old, my dear Nell Is there to be any tea this afternoon?"

"Clown!" retorted Nell scornfully "Really, I've a good mind not to tell

you until he--he comes himself"

"He--who? I must ask you to restrain your excitement, Eleanor My nerves

are in a very sad condition to-day, and I cannot--I really cannot bear

any mental strain"

"It's Mr Drake Vernon," said Nell,red Indian; and Mrs Lorton slid

into an upright position with incredible rapidity

"Mr Vernon! Go on, you're joking, Nell!" cried Dick; "and yet you look

pleased enough for it to be true! Mr Vernon! Hurrah! Sorry, s, which usually are under perfect control----"

"Is ne away Where is he?

Did you think to bring a tea cake for tea? No, of course not; you think

of nothing, nothing! I sometimes wonder why you have not imitated some

of the Wolfer tact and readiness"

"I e I willto stay at the

Brownies'--this is my best hat Do be careful!"