Frank. "Herbert tells me there are wonderful designs for
entertaining the brides."

"What do they consist of?" asked Rosamond.

"All the component parts of a family," said Frank. "The eldest
daughter is a sort of sheet-anchor to my mother, as well as her own.
The eldest son is at home now. He is in the army."

"In the Light Dragoons?" asked Rosamond. "Oh! then I knew him at
Edinburgh! A man with yellow whiskers, and the next thing to a
stutter."

"I declare, Julius, she is as good as any army list," exclaimed
Charlie.

"There's praise!" cried Frank. "The army list is his one book!
What a piece of luck to have you to coach him up in it!"

"I dare say Rosamond can tell me lots of wrinkles for my outfit,"
said Charles.

"I should hope so, having rigged out Dick for the line, and Maurice
for the artillery!"

Charlie came and leant on the mantel-shelf, and commenced a
conversation sotto voce on the subject nearest his heart; while
Cecil continued her catechism.

"Are the Bowaters intellectual?"