"I feel like the royal arms, between the lion and the unicorn," remarked Eustace, jestingly.
"No, indeed," said Mrs. Dills, who set up for being a wit, "we've got the lion between us. But what might you be, Mr. Gartney?"
"Rabelais."
"What's Rabelais? cried Britannia, with a faint idea it might be something to eat.
"Rabelais," explained Eustace, gravely, "was the creator of Pantagruel and Gargantua."
"I never heard of him," said Mrs. Dills crossly, being in want of her supper.
"Oh, fame! fame!"
"Bother fame," observed Mrs. Trubbles, as the two ladies sat down at the table. "I would give the fame of Nebuchadnezzar for a good meal."
"You shall have it and without such a sacrifice," said Eustace, assisting Dawn and Britannia plenteously; "by-the-way, isn't Miss Sheldon with you, to-night?"
"Yes Flora Macdonald, whoever she was," said Mrs. Trubbles, heavily, "she's with that young Macjean. Do you remember him at Como, Mr. Gartney? He's in a Scotch dress to-night."