capabilities of the place. Why, what's the matter?' pausing at the
blank looks.

'The jam, mamma--the blackberry jam!' cried Valetta.

'Well?'

'We can't do it without Gill, and she will have to be after that Miss
Constance,' explained Val.

'Oh! never mind. She won't stay all the afternoon,' said Gillian,
cheerfully. 'Luncheon people don't.'

'Yes, but then there will be lessons to be learnt.'

'Look here, Val,' said Gillian, 'if you and Mysie will learn your
lessons for tomorrow while I'm bound to Miss Con., I'll do mine some
time in the evening, and be free for the jam when she is gone.'

'The dear delicious jam!' cried Val, springing about upon her chair;
and Lady Merrifield further said--

'I wonder whether Mysie and Dolores would like to take the note down.
They could bring back a message by word of mouth.'

'Oh, thank you, mamma!' cried Mysie.

'Then I will write the note as soon as we have done breakfast. Don't
dawdle, Fergus boy.'