xactly know. My dear," said
Nicholas, turning to his wife, "what have I been doing all day?"

"To the best of my recollection," replied Mrs Forster, smiling, "you
have been asking when dinner would be ready."

"Uncle Nicholas," said Amber, "you promised to buy me a skein of blue
silk."

"Did I, my dear? Well, so I did, I declare. I'm very sorry--dear me, I
forgot, I did buy it. I passed by a shop where the windows were full of
it, and it brought it to my mind, and I did buy it. It cost--what was
it, it cost?"

"Oh! I know what it cost," replied Amber. "I gave you three-pence to
pay for it. Where is it?"

"If I recollect, it cost seven shillings and six-pence," replied
Nicholas, pulling out, not a skein of blue silk, but a yard of blue
sarsenet.

"Now, papa, do look here! Uncle Nicholas, I never will give you a
commission again. Is it not provoking? I have seven shillings and
six-pence to pay for a yard of blue sarsenet, which I do not want.
Uncle Nicholas, you really are very stupid."

"Well, my dear, I suppose I am. I heard William Aveleyn say the same,
when I came into the room this morning, because--let me see--"

"You heard him say nothing, uncle," interrupted Amber, colouring.

"Yes, I recollect now--how stupid I was to come in when I was not
wanted!"

"Humph!" said John Forster; and dinner was announced.

Since the recognition of Mrs Forster by her husband, she had presided
at her brother-in-law's table. The dinner provided was excellent, and
was done ample justice to by all parties, especially Nicholas, whose
appetite appeared to increase from idleness. Since Newton had left
England he had remained a pensioner upon his brother; and, by dint of
constant exertion on the part of Mrs Forster, had been drilled out of
his propensity of interfering with either the watch or the spectacles.
This was all that was required by Mr John Forster; and Nicholas walked
up and down the house, like a tame cat, minding nobody, and nobody
paying any attention to him.

After dinner the ladies retired, and shortly afterwards William Aveleyn
quitted the room.

Newton thought this to be a good opportunity to acquaint his uncle with
his attachment to Miss Revel, and the favourable result. Mr John
Forster heard him without interruption.

"Very nice girl, I dare say, nephew, but you are too young to marry.
You can't marry and go to sea. Follow your profession, Newton;
speculate in opium--I'll find the means