[!-- CH12 --]

CHAPTER XII.

"GRANNY."

Aunt Madge seated her four guests at a little table.

"Will you have oysters or scallops?"

"What are scallops?"

"They are a sort of fish; taste a little like oysters. They come out of those small shells, such as you've seen pin-cushions made of."

The children thought they should prefer oysters; and after the stews were ordered, Mrs. Allen went out, and soon returned with a dessert of cake, pie, and fruit.

"I thought I would bring it all at once," said she, "just what I know you will like; and then sit down and be comfortable. We'll lay the wreaths under the table. There are no napkins, girls (this isn't Boston, you know); so you'd better tuck your handkerchiefs under your chins."

"But is this the handsomest place they've got in New York, without any carpet to it?" whispered Dotty.