it is for baby's mamma, then," said Arthur, making believe to take
out his pocket book. Fanny shook her head.

"I have any number of jackets," said she.

"But, then, you have worn them any number of times," said Harry.

"They are as good as new, but old-fashioned? Eh, Fanny?" said her
husband.

"Three weeks behind the latest style," said Harry.

"Nonsense, Arthur! What do you know about jackets, Harry? But, Graeme,
Rosie ought to have it. You know, she wants one so much."

"She spoke about it, I know; but I don't think she really cares for one.
At any rate, she has made up her mind to do without one."

"Of course, it would be foolish to care about what she could not get,"
said Fanny, wisely. "But she would like it, all the same, I am sure."

The velvet jacket had been discussed between these two with much
interest; but Rose had given up all thought of it with great apparent
reluctance, and nothing had been said about it for some days. Judging
from what her own feelings would have been in similar circumstances,
Fanny doubted the sincerity of Rose's resignation.

"I believe it is that which has been vexing her lately, though she says
nothing," continued she.

"Vexing her," repeated Graeme. "What do you mean, Fanny? What have you
seen?"

"Oh! I have seen nothing that you have not seen as well. But I know I
should be vexed if I wanted a velvet jacket, and could not get it; at
least I should have been when I was a young girl like Rose," added
Fanny, with the gentle tolerance of a young matron, who has seen the
folly of girlish wishes, but does not care to be hard on them. The
others laughed.

"And even later than that--till baby came to bring you wisdom," said her
husband.

"And it would be nice if Rosie could have it before the Convocation,"
continued Fanny, not heeding him. "It would just be the thing with her
new hat and grey poplin."

"Yes," said Graeme, "but I don't think Rosie would enjoy it unless she
felt that she could quite well afford it. I don't really think she
cares about it much."

"I know what you mean, Graeme. She would not like me to interfere about
it, you think. But if Arthur or Harry would have the sense to make her
a present of it, just because it is pretty and fashionable, and not
because she is supposed to want it, and without any hint from you or me,
that would be nice."

"Upon my word, Fanny, you are growing as wise as your mamma," said
Harry. "A regular manage