"Well, have you found it?" Mrs. Ballinger enquired after a
considerable delay.
"Yes. I've found it," said Miss Van Vluyck in a queer voice.
Mrs. Plinth hastily interposed: "I beg you won't read it
aloud if there's anything offensive."
Miss Van Vluyck, without answering, continued her silent
scrutiny.
"Well, what is it?" exclaimed Laura Glyde excitedly.
"Do tell us!" urged Mrs. Leveret, feeling that she would
have something awful to tell her sister.
Miss Van Vluyck pushed the volume aside and turned
slowly toward the expectant group.
"It's a river."
"A river?"
"Yes: in Brazil. Isn't that where she's been living?"
"Who? Fanny Roby? Oh, but you must be mistaken.
You've been reading the wrong thing," Mrs. Ballinger ex-
claimed, leaning over her to seize the volume.
"It's the only Xingu in the Encyclopædia; and she has
been living in Brazil," Miss Van Vluyck persisted.
"Yes: her brother has a consulship there," Mrs. Leveret
interposed.
HYLAND
