Laura fetched it; Guy, with a constrained 'thank you,' was going to
take it up rather as if he was putting a force upon himself, when
Philip more quickly took the first volume, and eagerly turned over the
pages--I can't stand this,' he said, 'where is the original?'

It was soon produced; and Philip, finding the beautiful history of Fra
Cristoforo, began to translate it fluently and with an admirable choice
of language that silenced Charles's attempts to interrupt and
criticise. Soon Guy, who had at first lent only reluctant attention,
was entirely absorbed, his eyebrows relaxed, a look of earnest interest
succeeded, his countenance softened, and when Fra Cristoforo humbled
himself, exchanged forgiveness, and received "il pane del perdono,"
tears hung on his eyelashes.

The chapter was finished, and with a smothered exclamation of
admiration, he joined the others in begging Philip to proceed. The
story thus read was very unlike what it had been to Laura and Amy, when
they puzzled it out as an Italian lesson, or to Charles, when he
carelessly tossed over the translation in search of Don Abbondio's
humours; and thus between reading and conversation, the morning passed
very agreeably.

At luncheon, Mr. Edmonstone asked Philip to come and spend a day or two
at Hollywell, and he accepted the invitation for the next week. 'I
will make Thorndale drive me out if you will give him a dinner.'

'Of course, of course,' said Mr. Edmonstone, 'we shall be delighted.
We were talking of asking him, a day or two ago; eh, mamma?'

'Thank you,' said Philip; 'a family party is an especial treat to him,'