VIII.

THE RECTORY DINING-ROOM.

Mrs. Selbourne, Mrs. Simms, Miss Forsythe, Mr. Fairfax, and Dr. Ellis, all intently regarding a large box that has just been brought up from the express office.

_Mrs. Selbourne._—We can’t open it until Arthur comes home, for he has the key of the tool-closet in his pocket, and the cover is screwed on.

_Miss Forsythe._—Oh, yes, we can. _My_ screw driver is never to be found, and I always use a kitchen knife.

_Mrs. Selbourne_ (aside, to Mr. Fairfax, as she passes him on her way to the kitchen).—This only means that I am a mercenary woman, and take comfort in the most incipient stages of love-making.

_Mr. Fairfax._—To me it means that you are an angel.