filliping crumbs at one another.

'Wilfred! Fergus!' said the mother quite low and gently; but they
stopped directly. 'We will say grace,' she said, lifting the little
one down. 'Now, Primrose.'

Every one stood up, to Dolores' surprise, a pair of little fat hands
were put together, a little clear voice said a few words of
thanksgiving perfectly pronounced.

'You may go, if you like,' she said. 'Hal, take care of Prim.'

Up jumped the two boys and a sprite of a girl, who took the hand of
little Primrose, a beautiful little maiden with rich chestnut wavy
curls. They all paused at the door, the boys making a salute, the
girls a little curtsey. Primrose's was as pretty a little 'bob' as
ever was seen.

'I am glad you keep that custom up,' said Mr. Mohun.

'Jasper had been brought up to it, and wished it to be the habit among
us; and I find it a great protection against bouncing and rudeness.'

But Dolly's blood boiled at such stupid, antiquated, military nonsense.
She would never give in to it, if they made her live on bread and
water!

The uncle and aunt, who perhaps had lengthened out their breakfast from
politeness to her, had finished when she had, and the pony-chaise came
to the door, in which Hal was to drive Uncle William to the station.