"Well, what a time you had with little Dolly Scott!" said Julie,
sympathetically. "Ted's been getting it all mixed up! Tell us about
it. Poor old Mark, you're all in, aren't you? Mark, would you like a
cup of tea?"

"Love it!" Margaret said, a little surprised, for this luxury was
not common.

"And toast--we'll toast it!" said Theodore, enthusiastically.

"No, no--no tea!" said Mrs. Paget, coming in at this point with some
sewing in her hands. "Don't spoil your dinner, now, Mark dear; tea
doesn't do you any good. And I think Blanche is saving the cream for
an apple tapioca. Theodore, Mother wants you to go right downstairs
for some coal, dear. And, Julie, you'd better start your table; it's
close to six. Put up the game, Rebecca!"

There was general protest. Duncan, it seemed, needed only "two more"
to win. Little Robert, who was benevolently allowed by the other
children to play the game exactly as he pleased, screamed delightedly
that he needed only one more, and showed a card upon which even the
blank spaces were lavishly covered with glass. He was generously
conceded the victory, and kissed by Rebecca and Julie as he made his
way to his mother's lap.

"Why, this can't be Robert Paget!" said Mrs. Paget, putting aside her
sewing to gather him in her arms. "Not this great, big boy!"

"Yes, I am!" the little fellow asserted joyously, dodging her kisses.