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 swimming out to the rescue, and as I see 'hot tea' expressed in every line of her benevolent countenance, I feel confident she will propose to bring me some; so, if she does, will you encourage the idea?"

Blanche was right. The tea-urn was on the table, brown-bread and butter prepared, and a curious foreign china tea-service laid out, which excited the envy of Aileen, and the admiration of Aunt Sarah, who was learned in porcelain.

"Well, I believe it is reckoned curious, my husband brought it me when he came back from his third trip to China; no, it was his fourth, and he set so much store by it, that, of course, I could not say I thought it ugly; but I like the old willow pattern best, and we only use this on great occasions. And, now, I should like to take Lady Chester a nice cup of hot tea, but perhaps I should disturb her."

"Oh, no," said Aileen, "my sister was wishing for some tea, and if you do not mind the trouble, I am sure she would be