"John," she whispered, "could you take prayers, do you think?"
John shook his head.
"I thought, perhaps, since yesterday——"
"Oh, Agnes," he returned, "you'll do it twice as well; and the servants, and all—you will not mind. You were going to, weren't you?"
"Yes, I was; and if you would rather I did——"
"Much rather—of course I would. You need not be nervous."
The whispered conversation was unheeded by the others, who had gathered round the fire looking at their mother's bullfinch taking his morning bath on the mantelshelf.
"I hope you won't forget his royal highness," said Hugh to Alice.
"I do not suppose I shall."
"If you do I'll remind you," said Minnie.