'I like to pay my dues,' said Dane carelessly, turning over and unpacking things all the while. 'Mrs. Powder, there is a paper knife for you.'
'But you don't do it,' the lady went on, smiling at the same time over the paper knife, which was very pretty. 'Now will you and Hazel hold a reception, as you ought to do, and let people see her as your wife?'
'No fear they won't see her,' put in Kitty Fisher. 'I know some people who mean to have a good time when he's away at the mills. Where are your presents, child? I came to see you on purpose to see them. I suppose they are the ninth wonder. You have seen them, Mrs. Powder?'
'I have seen nothing,' said that lady blandly, for however she disapproved of Kitty's style of application, I have no doubt she would have liked it to be successful.'I have seen nothing, except baskets.'
'There is a good deal here besides,' said Rollo. 'Mrs. Charteris, don't you want a bread trencher? Or a rocking chair? And here are pens.'
'Thank you. Are you going to set up a shop?'
'That is what I was going to ask him,' said Molly Seaton.
'When I do, you will not be able to buy it,' said Rollo; 'so make the most of your advantage now.'
It was a very silent young duchess that sat there, all this while, amid the medley of people and things. The colour sometimes coming, and sometimes going; a smile ditto; the little fingers busy with packages, the head of brown curls bent over them. Well she knew how Rollo was shielding her by his play, amusing her inquisitive visiters, at the same time attending to her slightest movement; for his fingers came to help hers whenever a knot was too hard, or a paper wrap too obstinate, or an article too heavy for them.
'Well,' Kitty repeated, eyeing her, 'where are the presents?'