Mrs Asplin dropped the letter on the floor, and turned to confront her husband. "Well!" "Well?" "It is your affair, dear, not mine. You would have the trouble. Could you do with an extra child in the house?" "Yes, yes, so far as that goes. The more the merrier. I should like to help Arthur's mother, but,"--Mrs Asplin leant her head on one side, and put on what her children described as her "Ways and Means" expression. She was saying to herself,--"Clear out the box-room over the study. Spare chest-of-drawers from dressing-room--cover a box with one of the old chintz curtains for an ottoman--enamel the old blue furniture--new carpet and bedstead, say five or six pounds outlay--yes! I think I could make it pretty for five pounds!..." The calculations lasted for about two minutes, at the end of which time her brow cleared, she nodded brightly, and said in a crisp, decisive tone, "Yes, we will take her! Arthur's throat was delicate too. She must use my gargle." The vicar laughed softly. "Ah! I thought that would decide it. I knew your soft heart would not be able to resist the thought of the delicate throat! Well, dear, if you are willing, so am I. I am glad to make hay while the sun shines, and lay by a little provision for the children. How will they take it, do you think? They are accustomed to strange boys, but a girl will be a new experience. She will come at once, I suppose, and settle down to work for the autumn. Dear me! dear me! It is the unexpected that happens. I hope she is a nice child." "Of course she is. She is Arthur's sister. Come! the young folks are in the study. Let us go and tell them the news. I have always said it was my ambition to have half a dozen children, and now, at last, it is going to be gratified." Mrs Asplin thrust her hand through her husband's arm, and led him down the wide, flagged hall, towards the room whence the sound of merry young voices fell pleasantly upon the ear. CHAPTER TWO. MELLICENT'S PROPHECY.