"Yes, I'm afraid I am rather behind time," he returned. "I hope you have not delayed your tea for me, Mrs. Dinsmore."
"No; it is but just ready," she said. "Ah, there's the bell. Please, all of you walk out."
When the meal was over all returned to the parlor, where they spent the next hour in desultory chat.
Gracie claimed a seat on her father's knee. Lulu took possession of an ottoman and pushed it up as close to his side as she could; then seating herself on it leaned up against him.
He smiled and stroked her hair, then glanced about the room in search of Max.
The boy was sitting silently in a corner, but reading an invitation in his father's eyes, he rose and came to his other side.
The ladies were talking of the purchases they wished to make in Boston, New York or Philadelphia, on their homeward route.
"I must get winter hats for Lulu and Gracie," said Violet.
"I want a bird on mine, Mamma Vi," said Lulu; "a pretty one with gay feathers."
"Do you know, Lulu, that they skin the poor little birds alive in order to preserve the brilliancy of their plumage?" Violet said with a troubled look. "I will not wear them on that account, and as you are a kind-hearted little girl, I think you will not wish to do so either."