Page:The principal girl (IA principalgirl00snai).pdf/293

 Mother would be pleased to have some tea, but it was by no means clear, for all that, that Mrs. Philip was yet in the Family.

The young Madam poured out tea as though she didn't mind very much whether she was in the Family or whether she wasn't. Young ladies of Newnham and Girton, we can't help thinking, although it grieves us terribly to criticize the Heroine, that this was very wrong of her. Mother was eating Humble Pie, and she ought to have been trying a little as well.

The Twin Brethren handed the tea to Mother in quite their ablest manner.

"Have some muffin while it's warm, Mater."

Mother preferred bread and butter, thank you.

Conversation seemed to languish rather, until Mother made the important discovery that you got quite a nice view of the park.

"Toppin'!" said Mr. Philip.

"I'm afraid these flats must be dreadfully expensive," said the Maternal One.

"Not for the position, Mater."

Mother hoped not, at any rate.

"I hope you have noticed our Whistler, Lady Shelmerdine?" said Mary the demure.

Oh, where was the Whistler? Mother was so fond of canaries.