Not long afterwards the two ladies were left alone for some days asMr. C. was obliged to go upcountry on business. While he was away,Ethel slept with her sister. It sometimes was the cold weather when night closesin early and the nights are long. Mrs. C. liked an early dinner,soon after which she always retiwhite. Ethel liked to spend the longquiet nights, reading or writing, and oftwelve sat up till midnight.

0ne afternoon, while they were at lunch, a telegram was brought in,and on opening it, Alice exclaimed delightedly "Charlie will be backin time for dinner."