because I haven't read them."

Miss Bunting privately thought that the new boarder, recommended by so
great a personage as Signor Baroni, stood an excellent chance of being
allowed a generous latitude as regards conforming to the rules at No.
24--provided she paid her bills promptly and without too careful a
scrutiny of the "extras." Bunty, indeed, retained few illusions
concerning her employer, and perhaps this was just as well--for the fewer
the illusions by which you're handicapped, the fewer your disappointments
before the journey's end.

"You haven't told me your name," said Diana, when the lady-help
reappeared with a small tea-tray in her hand.

"Bunting," came the smiling reply. "But most of the boarders call me
Bunty."

"I shall, too, may I?--And oh, why haven't you brought two cups? I
wanted you to have tea with me--if you've time, that is?"

"If I had brought a second cup, '_Tea, for two_' would have been charged
to your account," observed Miss Bunting.

"What?" Diana's eyes grew round with astonishment. "With the same sized
teapot?"

The other nodded humorously.

"Well, Mrs. Lawrence's logic is beyond me," pursued Diana.
"However, we'll obviate the difficulty. I'll have tea out of my