"Mamma is out somewhere. Gone to see the pictures, I think," added Grace, as Lady Mary turned, of her own accord, into a small, cosy sitting-room that used to belong to the girls, and which they had nicknamed "The Hut." "Harriet is with her." Lady Mary looked surprised. "Harriet! Are the MacIvors here?" "Oh dear, yes; staying with us. They came up from Scotland on Monday." "I am rather sorry I came, then. It may be an inconvenience. And there won't be a bit of quiet in the house." "It will be no inconvenience at all, Mary--what are you thinking of? You are to have your old room, and the baby the room next it. As to the house, it shall be as quiet as you please. I assure you it is wonderfully changed, in that respect, since all you girls were at home together." "That time seems ages ago," remarked Lady Mary. "What light-headed, frivolous girls we were--and how life's cares change us! Fancy our all marrying and leaving you behind!" "There's Frances also." "I forgot Frances. She is at Sarah's, I suppose, as usual. She will be marrying next, no doubt. _I_ always thought she would be one of the first to marry, though she is the youngest except Adela. And then it will be your turn, Grace." Grace slightly shook her head. "It will never be mine, Mary--as I believe. I have settled down into an old maid--and I feel like one. I would rather not marry now; at least, I think so. The time has gone by for it." "What nonsense you talk! Why, you are only about three or four and thirty, Grace, though you are the eldest. A woman is not too old to marry, at that age." "Well, I am not anxious to marry," replied Grace. "Papa and mamma should have one of us with them in their old age; and Frances will no doubt marry. It will, I know, be all as God pleases. Morning by morning as I get up, I put myself into His good care, and beseech Him to undertake for me--to use me as He will." Lady Mary Cleveland smiled. This was all very right, of course--Grace had always had a religious corner in her heart. "And now tell me all the news of Netherleigh," began Grace, when her sister had taken some refreshment, and the small mite of a baby was asleep, and they were back again in "The Hut," Mary lying on the sofa. "How is Aunt Margery?" "You have had this room refurnished!" cried Mary, looking about her--at the bright carpet and chintz curtains. "Yes, this spring. It was so very shabby." "It is very pretty now. Aunt Margery?--oh, she is fairly well. Not too strong, I fancy. I went to the Court yesterday and had lunch with her. She is my baby's godmother." "Is she? The baby's christened, then?" "As if we should bring him away from home if he were not! You will laugh at his old-fashioned name, Grace--Thomas." "Thomas is a very good name. It is your husband's." "Yes--and not one of his first wife's children bear it. So I thought it high time this one should." "Why did your husband not bring you up today?"