"He leaves all to Abraham, and generally everything has turned out well—except perhaps the writing of the menu! Last time, people were a little startled on glancing over it, to see that they were going to partake of 'Roast lion and jam pupps.'"
Helen laughed delightedly, but the elder lady gravely said, "Oh, roast loin and jam puffs. Well, that's the worst of not having a lady in the house. Such mistakes never happen in my establishment!"
"Would you like to take a turn now, Miss Denis?" said Mr. Lisle, glancing at her as he spoke.
"I daresay she would, and so would I," returned Mrs. Creery briskly, rising and walking at the other side of him, an honour for which he was by no means prepared.
"What is that unearthly noise?" inquired Helen; "what are those sounds that nearly drown the band?"
"Yes; reminds me of a pig being killed," rejoined Mr. Lisle; "but it is merely the Andamanese school-children on the beach. This is the day that their wild parents come to see them; they arrived this morning in a big canoe, and doubtless brought all kinds of nice, wholesome, dainty edibles for their young people. They are sitting in a circle, whooping and yelling, real bonâ fide savages! Would you like to come out and see them?"
"Certainly not," exclaimed Mrs. Creery, indignantly.
At this moment they were joined by the General and Captain Rodney, who had just entered the gardens.
"Have you heard anything more about that fellow, sir?" inquired Mr. Lisle.
"No; nothing as yet, but Adams and King are doing their best. I fancy he has taken to the bush."