"It's all put on, Oliver. You mustn't believe what she says."
"Didn't I see Roland walking with you yesterday?" asked Oliver, willing to join in the teasing.
"Because I couldn't get rid of him," retorted Carrie.
"He thinks you are over head and ears in love with him," said Frank.
"I don't believe he thinks anything of the kind. If he does, he is very much mistaken; that is all I can say."
"Don't tease your sister any more, Frank," said Oliver. "I don't believe she admires Roland any more than I do."
"Thank you, Oliver. I am glad to haveyou on my side," said the young lady graciously. "I shouldn't mind if I never saw Roland Kenyon."
"Stop your quarrelling, young people, and walk in to supper," said Miss Pauline.
"Where is your father to-night, Frank?" asked Oliver, as they ranged themselves round the neat supper table.
"He has been sent for to Claremont. He won't be back till late, probably. You will please look upon me as the head of the household while he is away."