n exception, but San Francisco yelled 'Keep
off' and she drew in her claws again. Aunt Mary, possessing many points in
common with New York, also possesses that. She has limits. Her limits took
in more than we bargained for,--for they have taken us into the bargain.
Still they are there, and we bow to necessity. A cheerful drive, a quiet
tea, early to bed. And _pax vobiscum_."

"No wonder," said Burnett, "it's easy for you to agree when you're to be
one of the dinner party." "I don't mind being left out," said Clover
contentedly. "I shall sit on the sofa and whisper to 'the one behind.'
Whispering is an art that I have almost forgotten, but inspired by that
pink--"

"Then I'll tell Miss Watkins to dress for the going out," said Janice,
pointedly addressing herself to Jack.

"Yes, please do."

The maid left the room and went upstairs. Aunt Mary was tossing about on
her pillow.

"Well, what's it to be?" she asked instantly.

"The storm has made it too wet to picnic," replied Janice. "Mr. Denham
wants to take you to drive and afterwards you and Mr. Mitchell and he are
to dine--"

"And Burnett and Clover?" cried Aunt Mary in appalled interruption; "where
are they goin'?"

"Really, I don't know."

"I don't like the idea," said Aunt Mary; "we'd ought to all be together. I
never did approve of splittin' up in small parties. Did Jack say anythin'
about my gettin' another bonnet?"

"Yes, he thought that you would go to a milliner first."

"I don't know about lookin' sillier," said Aunt Mary. "Strikes me a woman
can't look more foolish than she does without a bonnet. However, I don't
feel like makin' a fuss over anythin' to-day. I've had a good rest and I
feel fine. I'll dress and go out with Jack, an' I know one thing, I'll
enjoy every minute I can, for this week is goin' like lightnin' and when
it's over--well, you never saw Lucinda, so it's no use tryin' to make you
understand, but--" she drew a long breath and shook her head meaningly.

Janice did not reply. She busied herself with the cares of the toilet of
her mistress, and when that was complete the carriage was summoned for the
shopping tour.

Jack saw that the bonnet was attended to first of all and then they went
to another store and purchased a scarf pin for Joshua and a workbox for
Lucinda. After that Aunt Mary decided that she wanted her four friends
each to have a souvenir of her visit, so she insisted upon being conducted
to that gorgeous establish