indication of the tumult aroused within her by her employer's
criticism. To fail to please Mr. Evringham at his meals was the deepest
mortification life held for her.

"I'm sure it tastes very good," said Mrs. Evringham amiably, "although I
like a little more salt than your cook uses."

"You can reach it I hope," remarked the host, casting a glance at the
dainty solitaire salt and pepper beside his daughter's plate.

"But don't you like it cooked in?" she asked sweetly.

"Not when I want to get it out," he answered shortly.

"How can mother, how can mother!" thought Eloise helplessly.

"There is decided spring in the air to-day," said Mrs. Evringham. "I
remember of old how charmingly spring comes in the park."

"You have a good memory," returned Mr. Evringham dryly.

"Why do you say that?" asked the pretty widow, lifting large, innocent
eyes.

"It is some years since you accompanied Lawrence in his calls upon me, I
believe."

"Poor father!" thought Mrs. Evringham, "how unpleasantly blunt he has
grown, living here alone!"