Page:The Rejuvenation Of Miss Semaphore.pdf/87

 Mrs. Whitley prepared to look shocked at such language, but first glanced at Mrs. Dumaresq, from whom she took her cue. Mrs. Dumaresq, however, only smiled slightly.

"I left it dere," said Müller.

"But you didn't. If you had it would be here now."

"I—I believe I have it," stammered Prudence, suddenly awaking to what was going on.

"Oh, you have, have you?" said Mr. Lorimer crossly, taking it without a word of apology from her outstretched hand. "I do not provide papers for the benefit of this establishment."

"It is more blessed to give than to receive," put in Mrs. Whitley archly, with the sweet smile of the peacemaker.

"No doubt, ma'am," replied Mr. Lorimer savagely, "but it's a good deal more expensive," and he became absorbed in the columns of his oracle.

The ladies exchanged glances. The subject of Mr. Lorimer and his paper was a standing joke in the house, and Mrs. Whitley whispered to Prudence not to mind him, it was "only his way." Prudence, indeed, poor woman, was too much occupied with her own