"'William the Conqueror, his Jam, 1066.'
"'Peach Marmalade.
Put up by Hamlet, Prince of Denmark,
For his own use.'
"What an extraordinary girl you are, Hildegarde!"
"Not at all extraordinary!" cried Hildegarde, laughing and blushing. "Why shouldn't I amuse myself? It hurts no one, and it amuses me very much."
Jack laughed, and went on,—
"'Marmaladus Crabappulis.
C. J. Cæsar fecit.
Jam satis.'
"'Crab-apple Jelly.
Macbeth, Banquo & Co., Limited.'
"'Peach Marmalade.
Made by
John Grahame, Viscount Dundee. Gold Medal.'
"This ought to be mine."
"It shall be yours, greedy viscount. Get a spoon and eat it at once, if you like."
"Thank you so much. I would rather take it home, if I may. I say, what is that brown stuff out on the porch, with mosquito netting over it? Nothing very valuable, I hope?"
"Oh, Jack!" cried Hildegarde, springing up, "my peach leather! What have you—did you fall into it? Oh, and I thought you were improving so much! I must go—"
"No, don't go," said her cousin. "I—I only knocked down one plate. And—Merlin was with me, you know, and I don't believe you would find any left. I am very sorry, Hilda. Can I make some more for you?"