Madge was silent, though not because she had nothing to say; and at this precise moment the door opened, and visitors were ushered in.
CHAPTER XLI.
CHESS.
There entered upon the scene, that is, a little lady of very gay and airy manner; whose airiness, however, was thoroughly well bred. She was accompanied by a tall, pleasant-looking man, of somewhat dreamy aspect; and they were named to Lois and Madge as Mrs. and Mr. Burrage. To Mr. Dillwyn they were not named; and the greet ing in that quarter was familiar; the lady giving him a nod, and the gentleman an easy "Good evening." The lady's attention came round to him again as soon as she was seated.
"Why, Philip, I did not expect to find you. What are you doing here?"
"I was making toast a little while ago."
"I did not know that was one of your accomplishments."
"They said I did it well. I have picked up a good deal of cooking in the course of my travels."
"In what part of the world did you learn to make toast?" asked the lady, while a pair of lively eyes seemed to take note rapidly of all that was in the room; rapidly but carefully, Lois thought. She was glad she herself was hidden in the shadowy sofa corner.
"I believe that is always learned in a cold country, where people have fire," Mr. Dillwyn answered the question.