something like that--and she's a perfect little butter-ball. She's
coming to go out on the same train with us; and she'll get the dinner
to-night; and I sha'n't have the mortification of sitting down to a
pickup meal with Amy Campbell, the first time she has visited us;
she's conceited enough about her house-keeping as it is, I'm sure, and
I wouldn't have her patronizing and pitying me for worlds. The cook
will be here at half-past three precisely; I had to pretend the train
started a little earlier than it does so as to make her punctual; they
_are_ such uncertain things! and I don't suppose I shall be back by
that time, quite, Edward, and so you must receive her. Let me see!"
She glances up at the clock on the wall. "It's just quarter-past now,
and our train goes at ten minutes to four--My goodness! I'll have to
hurry."

The Colored Man who cries the trains, walking half-way into the room
and then out: "Cars ready for Cottage Farms, Longwood, Chestnut Hill,
Brookline, Newton Centre, Newton Highlands, Waban, Riverside, and all
stations between Riverside and Boston. Circuit Line train now ready
on Track No. 3."

Mrs. Roberts, in extreme agitation: "Good gracious, Edward, that's our
train!"

Roberts, jumping to his feet and dropping all her packages: "No, no,
it isn't, my dear! That's the Circuit Line train: didn't you hear?
Ours doesn't go till ten to four, on the Main Line."

Mrs. Roberts: "Oh yes, so it does. How ridiculous! But now I _must_
run away and leave you, or I never shall get back in time. Be sure to
speak to the cook as soon as she comes in, or she'll get discouraged