"I thought Mr. Huntington said he would be up," observed Aurelia, timidly. One of Chelda's peculiarities was a most Indian-like unsmilingness. However, at this remark, she favoured her guest with her nearest approach to an amused contraction of her features. "What do you want, Prosperity?" asked Miss Gastonguay, pointing a double-six domino at him as he appeared in the doorway. "Miss Chelda, ma'am. The old black woman from the parsonage would like to see her." Chelda rose, and walked carelessly to a small reception-room off the hall. She only stayed a short time, and, on coming back, twirled a small note in her fingers, and sank into her former seat. "There is no one ill at the parsonage, is there?" asked Miss Gastonguay. "No, aunt.--Mr. Huntington has gone to Boston. Aurelia was right. He did speak of coming here this evening, and has written a line to explain his non-appearance." "This is surely very sudden," said Miss Gastonguay, curiously. "What does he say?" "You may read the note." "Read it to me, child, I haven't my glasses." * * * * * "'DEAR MISS CHELDA:--I am leaving for Boston with Mr. Mercer. I will write from there and express my regret at not seeing you and your aunt. "'Yours truly, B. H.'" * * * * * "Very abrupt," remarked Miss Gastonguay, "and very much in the nature of a farewell. Do you suppose he is not coming back? Taking Justin Mercer with him looks like it. That worthy young man may want to convey his body around the world by way of doing good to his soul." Chelda did not venture any supposition of her own. She stared curiously at Aurelia, whose face had gone from crimson to a deathly pallor. Miss Gastonguay's anxious and critical attention was diverted from her niece. "Good gracious!" she exclaimed, "the girl is going to faint." Before she finished her sentence Aurelia had fainted, and falling forward crashed the inlaid domino table to the floor, and broke a portion of its dainty top. "Here, Prosperity," called Miss Gastonguay, "some water quick,--and take that table away so she won't see it. Bother the girl, why doesn't she pray and fast less and eat more, so as to keep strength in her body." In a few minutes Aurelia revived, and in a pitiful, trembling voice apologised for the trouble she had given. "Fudge and nonsense!" said Miss Gastonguay. "We all have times when if we don't faint we'd like to. Here, drink this; and, Prosperity, go telephone to Doctor Sinclair that his daughter is going to stay here all night. Don't say she doesn't feel well." "I had rather go home," said Aurelia, feebly. "You'll stay here. We'll put you to sleep in the Marie Antoinette room off mine, and I'll call to see how you are through the night. Chelda, you see to getting her to bed now. I have some letters to write."