[CHAPTER I.]
DUTTON GOSSIP.
"Mrs. Can.—Well, but this may be all a mistake. You know,
Sir Benjamin, very trifling circumstances often give rise
to the most injurious tales."
"School for Scandal."
"ANY of those circulars ready, Jean? No matter if not—but—"
Jean mutely indicated a pile.
"All done! Thanks! You are a helper worth having. Now can you undertake the addresses? I have a list somewhere—in my study."
"My dear Jem!" remonstrated Mrs. Trevelyan. She had her feet on the fender, and an open story-book on her knee.
"I wonder where we are now," murmured Jean.
Jem looked up, and his grey eyes broke into laughter. When absorbed in thought, he had a harassed look, too old for his thirty-five years; but when he smiled, all was transformed; signs of wear and tear vanished; and hollows were mysteriously filled up.
"I forgot! Yes, of course—we adjourned here. All right—I have found the list. Just take the names in order, as they come."