" "Charity covereth a multitude of sins," said Bell, crossly, giving a vindictive snap with her scissors, "but it won't begin to cover the enormity of Mrs. Upjohn's transgressions on this occasion.

The hour of noon was fast approaching, and the bell of the cathedral heavily and solemnly tolled the knell of the unfortunate Spenser.

" All unnerved by her great trial, Annette rang Mrs. Lasette's front door bell somewhat hesitatingly and walked wearily into the sitting-room, where she found Mrs. Lasette resting in the interval between twilight and dark.

" "You ought to be a judge of my powers by this time certainly," said Bell, snappishly.

There was music on the midnight; From a royal fane it roll'd, And a mighty bell, each pause between, Sternly and slowly toll'd.

"My dear, you'll converse all the more brilliantly this afternoon for a brief period of silence now," said Bell, sweetly.