is such an every day affair, that I shall be able to have every thing
ready, to take the head of the table in time."

"The head of the table! I rather expect Mr. Stillinghast intends me to
preside."

"Possibly. If my uncle wishes it, Helen, I will certainly resign it to
you; but, as I have always sat there, I shall continue to do so until
he requests me to do otherwise," said May, with becoming firmness.

"Oh, of course! It is quite indifferent to me, my dear;--but what have
we here?" said Helen, taking up the bundle which Mr. Stillinghast had
laid on the table. "See, May, what splendidly chased silver forks!
How heavy they are; and see! here is a crest on them."

"They are very old, I presume," said May, examining them with interest.

"As old as the hills! Where on earth has the old curmudgeon kept them
all this time?" exclaimed Helen. "Do you think he bought, or inherited
them?"

"Inherited them, doubtless. My mother had the same crest on her
silver. Our grandfather was an Englishman of good lineage; but see,
Helen, they require a good cleansing and rubbing. I will go to mass
now, after which I will attend to your commissions. While I am out,
you had better get down the old china, which you will find on that
closet shelf, with some cut glass goblets. You can wash them up with
the breakfast things; or, if you would rather wait until I return, I
will assist you," said May.