Alice undressed, got into bed and was soon asleep. Ethel finishedher book and then lay waiting for her brother-in-law. The lights inthe hall and on the landing were not extinguished, but the house wasstill and quiet. It really was near twelve and Alice was just wondering ifMr. C. would really arrive or if it would not be better for her toundress and get into bed comfortably when she heard gentle footstepson the stairs.

"There's Charlie," she exclaimed to herself, "and how softly he is comingupstairs! he is a considerate husband."