"Very well; only do not meddle with Anne's feast."

Mary had to go into another chamber for the seat, and whilst she wasaway, Frances quickly helped herself to half of the pieces which wereon the dishes, and, when Mary returned, resumed her position as ifnothing had happened. Mary was so busy in arranging the seats, thatshe did not observe what had been done.

Presently Anne came back, accompanied by her brother William;hastening to her place, and looking on her table, she started withsurprise, and seemed to say to herself, as she gazed, How came I tomake a mistake, an think my pieces of cake were larger? but theexpression of her face called Mary's attention, who at once exclaimed,