Whether it was from the reader's enjoyment or good giving of these lines, or from Edith's delight in them, he was frequently interrupted with bursts of laughter.
"I can understand that," said Mr. Stackpole, "without any difficulty."
"You are not lost in the mysteries of chestnutting in open daylight," said Mrs. Evelyn.
"Mr. Carleton," said Edith, "wouldn't you have taken the squirrel's chestnuts?"
"I believe I should, Miss Edith, if I had not been hindered."
"But what would have hindered you? don't you think it was right?"
"Ask your friend, Miss Ringgan, what she thinks of it," said he, smiling.
"Now, Mr. Carleton," said Constance, as he threw down the magazine, "will you decide that point of English between Miss Ringgan and me?"
"I should like to hear the pleadings on both sides, Miss
Constance."
"Well, Fleda, will you agree to submit it to Mr. Carleton?"