'Come, it's no use making faces and pretending you know nothing about
it,' added Miss Mohun. 'I know very well that Florence is deep in it!'

'Ay, they'll have you over to repeat that splendid harangue about pots
and pans!' said he, bowing at Lady Merrifield's introductions of him
to the bystanders, and obediently accepting the sheaf of envelopes,
while Mr. Leadbitter made it known that the premiums would be given by
the Marquess of Rotherwood. Certainly it was a much more lively
business than if Lady Merrifield had performed it, for he had something
droll to observe to each girl. One he pretended to envy, telling her
he had worked hard for may a year, and never got such a card as that
for it--far less five shillings. Another he was sure kept her pans
bright, and always knew which was which; a very little one was asked if
she had gone from her cradle, and so on, always sending them away with
a broad smile, and professing great respect for the three seven-year-
card maidens who came up last. Then in a concluding speech he
demanded--where were the premiums for the mistresses, who, he was quite
sure, deserved them quite as much or more than the maids!

While everybody was still laughing, Lady Merrifield asked Mr.
Leadbitter to explain that as it was still raining hard, she must ask
all to adjourn to the great loft over the stable, where they could
enjoy themselves. Each associate was to gather her own flock and bring
them in order. Lady Merrifield said she would lead the way, Lord
Rotherwood coming with her, picking up little Primrose in his arms to
carry her upstairs to the loft.

Every one was moving. Dolores was among a crowd of strangers. She
heard them saying how delightful Lord Rotherwood was, and charming and
handsome and graceful Lady Merrifield, with her beautiful eyes. It