think so now perhaps, but the things that child used to say!'

'Don't spoil Archie as his mother spoilt Bruce,' said Mr. Ottley.

'Have you seen the new play at His Majesty's?' asked Bruce.

'No, I haven't. I went to the theatre _last_ year,' said old Mr Ottley.
'_I_ haven't heaps of money to spend on superfluous amusements.'

'Bruce, you're not eating anything,' said Mrs Ottley anxiously. 'Do try
some of these almonds and raisins. They're so good! I always get almonds
and raisins at Harrod's now.'

Edith seemed much interested, and warmly assented to the simple
proposition that they were the best almonds and raisins in the world.

The ladies retired.

'Most trying Mr Ottley's been lately,' said Mrs Ottley. 'Extremely
worrying. Do you suppose I have had a single instant to go and order a
new bonnet? Not a second! Has Bruce been tiresome at all?'

'Oh, no, he doesn't mean to be,' said Edith.

Mrs Ottley pressed her hand. 'Darling I _know_ what it is. What a sweet
dress! You have the most perfect taste. I don't care what people say,
those Empire dresses are most trying. I think you're so right not to
give in to it as so many young women are doing. Fashion indeed! Hiding
your waist under a bushel instead of being humbly thankful that you've
got one! Archie is the sweetest darling. I see very little likeness to