Then she returned to the parlor, put the kettle,
which had already begun to sing, on the fire, and began to stir and season
her oysters, which presently sent out a savory smell.
"I have learned six ways of cooking oysters this winter," she announced
gleefully. "This is a dry-pan-roast. I wonder if you'll approve of it. And
I wonder why Phil doesn't come. I wish he would make haste, for these are
nearly done."
"There he is now," remarked Geoff.
But instead it was Dr. Hope's office-boy with a note.
DEAR C.,--Mrs. Hope wants me for a fourth hand at whist, so I'm
staying, if you don't mind. She says if it didn't pour so she'd
ask you to come too. P.
"Well, I'm glad," said Clover. "It's been a dull day for him, and now
he'll have a pleasant evening, only he'll miss you."
"I call it very inconsiderate of the little scamp," observed Geoff. "He
doesn't know but that he's leaving you to spend the evening quite alone."
"Oh, boys don't think of things like that."
"Boys ought to, then. However, I can stand his absence, if you can!"
It was a very merry little meal to which they presently sat down, full of
the charm which the unexpected brings with it. Clover had grown to regard
Geoff as one of her very best friends, and was perfectly at her ease with
him, while to him, poor lonely fellow, such a glimpse of cosey home-life
was like a peep at Paradise.
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