on. "You didn't mention the title, nor the price. Won't you have a
cup of tea, Mrs. Daggett?"

"That cup of tea looks real nice; but I'm afraid you've gone to a lot
of trouble and put yourself out," protested Mrs. Daggett, who had not
ventured to open her lips until then. What wonderful long words Lois
had used; and how convincing had been her manner. Mrs. Daggett had
resolved that "Lives of Famous People," in its best red leather
binding, should adorn her own parlor table in the near future, if she
could persuade Henry to consent.

"I think that book Lois is canvassing for is just lovely," she added
artfully, as she helped herself to cake. "I'm awful anxious to own
one; just think, I'd never even heard of Snipeley Samuel Bangs--"

Lois Daggett crowed with laughter.

"Fer pity sake, Abby! don't you know no better than that? It's Samuel
Bangs Snipeley; he was County Judge, the author of 'Platform Pearls,'
and was returned to legislature four times by his constituents,
besides being--"

"Could you spare me five copies of the book, Miss Daggett?" inquired
Lydia, handing her the sponge cake.

"Five copies!"

Miss Daggett swiftly controlled her agitation.

"I haven't told you the price, yet. You'd want one of them