dine with you, but when I say dine, and people ask me to explain, I
shall have to say, 'Why, the Sewells still dine at one o'clock, you
know,' and laugh over your old-fashioned habits with them. I should
like to do differently, and to respect the sacredness of broken
bread and that sort of thing; but I'm trying to practise with every
one an affectionate sincerity, which is perfectly compatible not
only with the brotherliness of Christianity, but the politeness of
the world." Miss Vane looked demurely at Mrs. Sewell. "I can't make
any exceptions."

The ladies both broke into a mocking laugh, in which Sewell joined
with sheepish reluctance; after all, one does not like to be
derided, even by one's dearest friends.

"As soon as I hear my other little sins denounced from the pulpit,
I'm going to stop using profane language and carrying away people's
spoons in my pocket."

The ladies seemed to think this also a very good joke, and his
children laughed in sympathy, but Sewell hung his head; Barker sat
bolt upright behind his plate, and stared at Miss Vane. "I never
have been all but named in church before," she concluded, "and I've
heard others say the same."

"Why didn't you come to complain sooner?" asked Sewell.

"Well, I have been away ever since that occasion. I went down the
next day to Newport, and I've been there ever since, admiring the
ribbon-planting."