The girl arose with alacrity, saying, "Mr. Graham, you have brought me
into danger, and must now extricate me. Papa is an inveterate whist-
player, and you have put my errand here quite out of my mind. I didn't
come for the sake of your delicious muffins altogether"--with a nod at
her hostess; "our game has been broken up, you know, Mrs. Mayburn, by
the departure of Mrs. Weeks and her daughter. You have often played a
good hand with us, and papa thought you would come over this evening,
and that you, from your better acquaintance with our neighbors, might
know of some one who enjoyed the game sufficiently to join us quite
often. Mr. Graham, you must be the one I am seeking. A gentleman
versed in the lore of two continents certainly understands whist, or,
at least, can penetrate its mysteries at a single sitting."

"Suppose I punish the irony of your concluding words," Graham replied,
"by saying that I know just enough about the game to be aware how much
skill is required to play with such a veteran as your father?"

"If you did you would punish papa also, who is innocent."

"That cannot be thought of, although, in truth, I play but an
indifferent game. If you will make amends by teaching me I will try to
perpetrate as few blunders as possible."

"Indeed, sir, you forget. You are to make amends for keeping me
talking here, forgetful of filial duty, by giving me a chance to teach
you. You are to be led meekly in as a trophy by which I am to
propitiate my stern parent, who has military ideas of promptness and
obedience."