at the piano while we're dancing."

"I'll manage that; only do you bring Frank to dance with her," and
another tender squeeze was given--and Peter hurried out to the horses.

And now they were all gone but the Parson. "Mrs O'Kelly," said he, "Mrs
Armstrong wants a favour from you. Poor Minny's very bad with her
throat; she didn't get a wink of sleep last night."

"Dear me--poor thing; Can I send her anything?"

"If you could let them have a little black currant jelly, Mrs Armstrong
would be so thankful. She has so much to think of, and is so weak
herself, poor thing, she hasn't time to make those things."

"Indeed I will, Mr Armstrong. I'll send it down this morning; and a
little calf's foot jelly won't hurt her. It is in the house, and Mrs
Armstrong mightn't be able to get the feet, you know. Give them my
love, and if I can get out at all to-morrow, I'll go and see them."

And so the Parson, having completed his domestic embassy for the
benefit of his sick little girl, followed the others, keen for the
hunt; and the three ladies were left alone, to see the plate and china
put away.




XXII. THE HUNT