'Directly!' exclaimed Marion.

'What! The story-book is soon forgotten!' exclaimed the Doctor, pinching her cheek. 'I thought the quite recents would dry those tears. Yes. "Let it be a surprise," he says, here. But I can't let it be a surprise. He must have a welcome.'

'Directly!' repeated Marion.

'Why, maybe not what your impatience calls "directly,"' returned the doctor; 'but beautiful soon too. Let us see. Let us see. To-day is Thursday, is it not? Then he promises to be here, this day week.'