“‘How unfortunate it was that you happened in at such a moment.’
“‘Well, didn’t you order me to go? and don’t you know I obeyed with reluctance?’
“‘Oh, bother your obedience! you are mighty good to obey orders when you want to; but I suppose I must forgive you, and let you stay here, though you shall not be idle. Set that pan on the stove there, and fill it with water; then take the other one off and wipe it dry with a napkin and put it back; don’t spill water on the other things; I think I shall make an excellent cook of you one of these days.’
“‘You can make anything of me, because you are such a darling teacher.’
“‘I couldn’t make a flatterer of you: nature has taken the job off my hands.’
“‘I wish nature had furnished me with some strong language so I could tell my Lottie how dearly I love her.’
“‘Look at you now! you are dropping the water in that bowl!’
“‘Oh, I ask pardon—I didn’t see it.’
“We delayed dinner until late in the afternoon in order to afford Harry and Viola an opportunity to come to an understanding; and we had reason to believe that what we so much desired had taken place. Lottie and I brought the dinner in, and when it was ready she managed to seat Viola and Harry on the same side of the table, and she and I sat at the other.
“‘Now, Viola,’ said Lottie, ‘I have made you some of your favorite soup; I know you will like it, and I am sure it will do you good, and shall be glad if you will try it.’