friend sang for nothing at my concert. Don't suppose for a moment that
he expects it of me! But I am going to play for nothing at his concert.
May I appeal to your kind patronage to take two tickets?" The reply
ended appropriately in musical sound--a golden tinkling, in Mr. Le
Frank's pocket.

Having paid his tribute to art and artists, Mr. Gallilee looked
furtively at Miss Minerva. On the wise principle of letting well alone,
he perceived that the happy time had arrived for leaving the room. How
was he to make his exit? He prided himself on his readiness of
resource, in difficulties of this sort, and he was equal to the
occasion as usual--he said he would go to his club.

"We really have a capital smoking-room at that club," he said. "I do
like a good cigar; and--what do _you_ think Mr. Le Frank?--isn't a pint
of champagne nice drinking, this hot weather? Just cooled with ice--I
don't know whether you feel the weather, Miss Minerva, as I do?--and
poured, fizzing, into a silver mug. Lord, how delicious! Good-bye,
girls. Give me a kiss before I go."

Maria led the way, as became the elder. She not only gave the kiss, but
threw an appropriate sentiment into the bargain. "I do love you, dear
papa!" said this perfect daughter--with a look in Miss Minerva's
direction, which might have been a malicious look in any eyes but
Maria's.

Mr. Gallilee turned to his youngest child. "Well, Zo--what do _you_
say?"

Zo took her father's hand once more, and rubbed her head against it