who often supplied them with mirth. 'I suppose the gout does make
one bad-tempered.'

'Has he been coming often?--Mr. Barmby, I mean.'

'Pretty well. I think I must turn matchmaker, and get him married to
some one. It oughtn't to be difficult. The Prophet "has points."'

'I dare say some people would think him handsome,' assented Miss
Morgan, nibbling a finger which showed an ink-stain, and laughing
shyly.

'And his powers of conversation!--Don't you know any one that
would do for him?'

They jested on this theme until Nancy chose to become serious again.

'Have you any lessons to-morrow?'

'No. Thank goodness every one is going to see the procession, or the
decorations, or the illuminations, and all the rest of the
nonsense,' Jessica replied. 'I shall have a good long day of work;
except that I've promised to go in the afternoon, and have tea with
the little girls at Champion Hill. I wish you'd come too; they'd be
delighted to see you, and there'll be nobody except the governess.'

Nancy looked up in doubt.

'Are you sure? Won't the dowager be at home?'