mad at you,
and as for Mann, here,--by the way," and Eric rubbed his forehead, as if
trying to sharpen up a still sleepy memory, "I suppose you two have had
it out by this time. Norman sat up till ever so late to talk you over
with me, Mae. Do thank him for me; I am under the impression that I
didn't do so last night."

Mae tapped her fourth finger, on which a small ring glistened, sharply
against the cream jug. "If I were every body's pet lamb or black sheep,
I couldn't have more shepherd's crooks about me. Have you joined the
laudable band, Mr. Mann, and am I requested to thank you for that?"

"Not at all. Perhaps your brother's remembrances of last night are not
very distinct. I certainly sat up for Sismondi's sake, not for yours."
And he really thought, for the moment, that he told the truth.

"I warn you," continued Mae, rising as she spoke, "that I have a
tremendous retinue of mentors, and nurses, and governesses already.
You had better content yourself with the fact that you have four proper
traveling companions, and bear the disgrace of being shocked as best you
may by one wild scrap of femininity who will have her own way in spite
of you all." Mae half laughed, but she was serious, and the boys both
knew it.

"You flatter me," replied Norman, "I had aspired to no such position,
but for your brother's sake, if not for your own, I wished to tell Eric
that the Roman air at midnight was dangerous to your health. I saw you
had your window open."

"Did you look through the ceiling, pray?" Mae retorted from the
door-way. "Eric, ring if you want anything. Rosetta is close at hand."

"I have put my foot in it this time," said Eric, clumsily. "I am real
sorry, Norman, old boy."

Norman did not feel like being pitied, and this remark of Eric's roused
him. He fairly ground his teeth and clenched his hands, but his big
brown moustache and the tablecloth hid these outer manifestations of
anger. "Don't be a goose, Ric," he said. "What possible difference can
all this make to me? Your sister is young and quick."

Now, it was Eric's turn to wince. Was he giving this fellow the
impression that he thought his sister's opinions would affect him?
Horrible suspicion! Boys always fancy everybody in love with their
sister. He must cure that at once. "Of course," he replied quickly, "I
know you and Mae never agree, that you barely stand each other. But I
didn't know but you would prefer to be on good terms with her, for all
t