'Yes. I found I'd a few hours between the trains, so I ran down to
look you up. I met Harry at the house, and he told me I should find
Jane qualifying for the female parliament.'
'It's such a pity you should fall on all this turmoil,' said Aunt Ada.
'Pity! I wouldn't have missed Jenny's wisdom for the world. What is
it, Lily? Temperance, or have you set up a Salvation Army?
'G.F.S., of course, you Rotherwood of old! And now you are come, you
shall save me from what has been my bugbear for the last week. You
shall give the premiums.'
'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.
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