e, Willie,
bring your chair, and sit here by me."

The idea had, by this time, insinuated itself into Mr. Kerchey's brain
that the children were made to wait out of deference to him. Mrs. Royden
might consider him as one of the calumniated class of bachelors who
detest the light of little blue eyes, and hate the prattle of innocent
tongues. After one or two attempts to speak, he succeeded in
articulating, "I--I think it would be--would be--ah--pleasant to have
the children at the table."

"It is so annoying to be troubled with them when we have company!"
murmured Mrs. Royden, relenting. "Well, Hepsy, bring their plates."

To see the happiness shining in the little fellow's eyes, which were as
yet hardly dry, must have been sufficient to soften any grim old
bachelor's heart. Mr. Kerchey struggled to express his gratification, in
order not to be outdone by the cheerful and talkative clergyman; but he
could only smile in an embarrassed manner upon the boys, and coin these
tough and leaden syllables:

"I--rather--ah--like young people of this description."

Mrs. Royden was glad to have peace, for she saw how much the few
unpleasant words which had been spoken vexed the proud and sensitive
Chester, and was not desirous to have a family scene enacted in presence
of the stranger.

The meal was a very cheerful one; Father Brighthopes being in one of his
most delightful moods, and the family in good humor generally. Sarah
manifested a large talent for quiet fun, in her mischievous endeavors to
draw Mr. Kerchey into conversation.

The poor bachelor did his best, but he had never found the expression of
ideas a more difficult and laborious task. In vain the kind-hearted Mr.
Royden winked for Sarah to desist; in vain the good clergyman delicately
filled up the painful pauses in Mr. Kerchey's remarks with natural
observations, suggestive and helpful: Sarah persisted, and the guest
was forced to talk.

When young ladies are suspected of being objects of attraction, they
think they have a legitimate right to make fun of all newly-developed
admirers. They may marry them next year; they perhaps look upon such an
event as probable and desirable; but they will laugh about them to-day,
alike regardless of the pain they inflict on their victims, should they
perceive the ridicule, and careless of the distress of prudent mothers
and friends.

Fortunately for Mr. Kerchey, his talent for observation was not
remarkable. Phrenological