"You ought to have had Joe marry one of the Lafayette girls," Lord Carresford said, laughing, as Lulu paused, and began folding up her manuscript. "It would have been another little proof of his gratitude, you know."
"I thought of that," said Lulu, "but an Indian princess sounded so pretty. Now, Winifred, it's your turn."
"My story isn't nearly as nice as yours," said Winifred modestly; "are you sure you really want me to read it?"
"Quite sure," said Lord Carresford and Miss Warren both together.
Winifred's cheeks were hot, and her heart was beating uncomfortably, but she made a mighty effort to steady her voice, and unfolding her paper, began to read very fast indeed.
"THE INDIAN
"Once upon a time there was a little girl named Rosalie. She had an older brother named John, and she had a father but not a mother.
"One day she was in the garden playing with her brother, when she suddenly saw a very curious-looking figure coming towards them through the trees. She paused for a moment in amazement, and then called, 'Brother.'
"'What is it, Rosalie?' said her brother.
"'What is that, Brother? Look at that awful thing coming towards us across the field.'