you'll see how nice a grown-up book is.'

'The 'Talisman!' Why, Maude Sefton's brother had to get it up for his
holiday task, and he said it was all rot and bosh.'

'What a horridly stupid boy he must be,' returned Mysie. 'Why, I
remember when Jasper once had the 'Talisman' to do, and the big ones
were so delighted. Mamma read it out, and I was just old enough to
listen. I remembered all about Sir Kenneth and Roswal.'

'Tom Sefton's not stupid!' said Dolores, in wrath; 'but--but the book
is stupid and out of date! I heard father and the professor say it was
gone by.'

Mysie and Valetta looked perfectly astounded, and Dolores pursued her
advantage.

'Of course it is all very well for you that have never lived in London,
nor had any advantages.'

'But we have advantages!' cried Val.

'You don't know what advantages are,' said Dolores.

'There's the gong,' cried Mysie, and down they all plunged into the
dining-room, where the family were again collected, with Hal at one end
and his mother at the other.

Dolores was amazed when, at the first pause, after every one was help,
Valetta's voice arose.