Narcisse may cook you--"

"Oh stop, stop, for goodness' sake," cried Sir John, "I doubt
whether even he could make me into a dainty dish to set before the
King of Tartarus, though the stove would no doubt be fitted with
the latest improvements and the fuel abundant."

"Really, Sir John, I'm not sure I ought not to rise and protest,"
said Mrs. Wilding, "and I think I would if it weren't our last
day."

"Make a note of Sir John's wickedness, and pass it on to the Canon
for use in a sermon," said Van der Roet.

"I can only allow you half-an-hour, Laura," said the Marchesa to
Mrs. Sinclair, "then you must come and work with me for the
delectation of these idle people, who are going to spend the
afternoon talking scandal under the chestnuts."

"I am quite ready to join you if I can be of any help," said Mrs.
Gradinger. "When knowledge is to be acquired, I am always loath to
stand aside, not for my own sake so much as for the sake of others
less fortunate, to whom I might possibly impart it hereafter."

"You are very good," said the Marchesa, "but I think I must adhere
to my original scheme of having Mrs. Sinclair by herself. I see
coffee is now being taken into the garden, so we will adjourn, if
you please."

After the two workers had departed for the kitchen, an unwonted