MOTHER HUBBARD'S DINNER.
This was Mrs. Allen's "reception-day," the day on which she always staid at home, that her friends might be sure of finding her in.
"Not at home," Nathaniel had kept saying to visitors that afternoon. But one of them, a queenly-looking lady, would not be satisfied with the answer.
"Are the children here?" demanded she. "Those nieces and nephews?"
Nathaniel did not know exactly what reply to make; so he invited the lady into the parlor, and went to inquire.
Dr. Moonshine and Lady Magnifico were in the drawing-room, looking over engravings.
"Gnat, gnat, you troublesome insect," said the doctor. "I heard auntie tell you we were not to be disturbed."
"But what could I say?" asked the insect, humbly. "I couldn't tell her 'not at home.'"
"You must say, 'Beg to be excused;' those are the proper words," said my lady.
"Yes," added the doctor; "go, there's a good gnat, and sting 'em like sixty, if they don't start quick."