Phronsie, fresh from the kitchen, clinging to his hand.




II

COUSIN EUNICE CHATTERTON


Phronsie dropped one small hand by her side, and stood quite still
regarding the visitor.

"Oh, my goodness me," ejaculated Mrs. Chatterton, startled out of her
elegance, and not pausing to adjust the glass, but using her two good
eyes to the best advantage.

"Hoity-toity! So you are back again!" exclaimed Mr. King by way of
welcome. "Well, and if I may ask, what brought you now, Eunice?"

Mrs. Chatterton gathered herself up and smiled in a superior way.

"Never mind my reasons, Cousin Horatio. What a fine child you have
there;" now the glass came into play; "pray tell me all about her."

"You have well said," observed Mr. King, seating himself with the utmost
deliberateness, and drawing Phronsie to her accustomed place on his
knee, where she nestled, regardless of his immaculate linen and fine
waistcoat, "Phronsie Pepper is indeed a fine child; a very fine child,
Madam."