had been glutted with plum buns, and plump bumptiousness. These
were all the antecedents known in Minor Canon Corner of the coming
pupils.

'I am sure you will agree with me, Ma,' said Mr. Crisparkle, after
thinking the matter over, 'that the first thing to be done, is, to
put these young people as much at their ease as possible. There is
nothing disinterested in the notion, because we cannot be at our
ease with them unless they are at their ease with us. Now,
Jasper's nephew is down here at present; and like takes to like,
and youth takes to youth. He is a cordial young fellow, and we
will have him to meet the brother and sister at dinner. That's
three. We can't think of asking him, without asking Jasper.
That's four. Add Miss Twinkleton and the fairy bride that is to
be, and that's six. Add our two selves, and that's eight. Would
eight at a friendly dinner at all put you out, Ma?'

'Nine would, Sept,' returned the old lady, visibly nervous.

'My dear Ma, I particularise eight.'

'The exact size of the table and the room, my dear.'

So it was settled that way: and when Mr. Crisparkle called with
his mother upon Miss Twinkleton, to arrange for the reception of
Miss Helena Landless at the Nuns' House, the two other invitations
having reference to that establishment were proffered and accepted.
Miss Twinkleton did, indeed, glance at the globes, as regretting
that they were not formed to be taken out into society; but became
reconciled to leaving them behind. Instructions were then