"Then why did you say Eureka! and look so pleased?"

"Because on that day I shall leave cards on the Northbury folk--not one
of them will be at home."

"Shabby," muttered Catherine. Her dark cheek flushed, she turned away.

Mabel put out her little foot and pressed it against her sister's. The
pressure signified warning.

"Then you are not going to the bazaar, mother?" she questioned.

"I don't know. I may drop in for a moment or two, quite at the close. It
would not do to offend Mr. Ingram."

"No," replied Mabel. "He is a dear, _gentlemanly_ old man."

"Don't use that expression, my love. It is my object in life that
_all_ your acquaintances in the world of men should be gentlemen.
It is unnecessary therefore to specify any one by a term which must
apply to all."

Mrs. Bertram then asked Mabel to reply to Mr. Ingram's note. The reply
was a warm acceptance, and Mr. Ingram cheered those of his parishioners
who pined for the acquaintance of the great lady, with the information
that they would certainly meet her at the bazaar.

Accordingly when the fateful day arrived the town was empty, and the
Fisherman's Hall (Northbury was a seaport), in which the bazaar was held
was packed to overflowing. Accordingly Mrs. Bertram in a neat little