the porch.

"Come in! and how do you do,
my dear Duchess?" cried Ribby.
"I hope I see you well?"

"Quite well, I thank you, and
how do YOU do, my dear Ribby?"
said Duchess. "I've brought you
some flowers; what a delicious
smell of pie!"


"Oh, what lovely flowers! Yes,
it is mouse and bacon!"

"Do not talk about food, my
dear Ribby," said Duchess; "what
a lovely white tea-cloth! . . . . Is it
done to a turn? Is it still in the
oven?"

"I think it wants another five
minutes," said Ribby. "Just a
shade longer; I will pour out the
tea, while we wait. Do you take
sugar, my dear Duchess?"


"Oh yes, please! my dear