"But really and indeed, miss, you are too kind. I cannot think of accepting all these good things from you."
"Mattie, arrange all those pots, jars, and bottles on the mantel shelf, until somebody comes to take them away," said Claudia, without paying the least attention to Hannah's remonstrances.
When this order was also obeyed, and Mattie stood with both baskets on her arms, waiting for further instructions, Miss Merlin arose, saying:
"And now, Mrs. Gray, I must bid you good-afternoon. I cannot keep papa waiting dinner for me. But I will come to see you again to-morrow, if you will allow me to do so."
"Miss Merlin, I should be proud and happy to see you as often as you think fit to come."
"And, mind, I am to stand god-mother to the twins."
"Certainly, miss, if you please to do so."
"By the way, what is to be their names?"
"John and Mary, miss—after Reuben's father and my mother."
"Very well; I will be spiritually responsible for John and Mary! Good-by, Mrs. Gray."