The dinner was over. They had all risen from the table, and were going into the parlor, and Uncle John had his namesake Johnny on one side of him and little Archie on the other. They had taken possession of him from the first, when Elsie, hanging back, clung to her mother and whispered agitatedly,—
"Oh, mamma, mamma, it was what you said last week about Tommy's invitation that made me think of—of inviting Uncle John; but perhaps I ought to have told you—have asked you."
"No, no, it is better as it is. Don't fret, dear, it—it is all right. But there is Ann bringing the coffee into the parlor. Go and light your little teakettle, Elsie, and make your uncle a cup of tea as you used to do; he can't drink coffee, you know."