"I meant my hand of cards," she said, breathlessly.

"Really, Brill, really," said Halibut, stepping forward fussily.

"Oh!" said the Major, blankly; "cards!"

"That's what I meant, of course," said Mrs. Riddel, recovering herself
with a laugh. "I had no idea still--if you prefer----" The Major took
her hand again, and Miss Philpotts set Mr. Halibut an example--which he
did not follow--by gazing meditatively out of the window. Finally she
gathered up her work and quitted the room. Mrs. Riddel smiled over at
Mr. Halibut and nodded toward the Major.

[Illustrations: "DON'T YOU THINK MAJOR BRILL IS SOMEWHAT HASTY IN HIS
CONCLUSIONS?" SHE INQUIRED SOFTLY.]

"Don't you think Major Brill is somewhat hasty in his conclusions?" she
inquired, softly.

"I'll tell Major Brill what I think of him when I get him alone," said
the injured gentleman, sourly.